PROJECTS AND GIVING AT THE OCOA

The Walkway Project, completed in June 2010, created usable outdoor space. The tinted concrete path that spans the building, behind the center includes; an exercise area with 6 different fitness stations with instructions for easy or advanced level, a meditative garden where a comfortable curved bench invites sitting for a good view of the fabulous "Hold Me Close" sculpture. Another curved bench area features a water fountain bubbling out of a rock. The Compass Rose area includes a raised flower bed where vegetable plants produce food for The Day Center program. Plantings were chosen so something is always in bloom. The project was designed by Orleans resident Sharon Davis. Funding from the Orleans Community Preservation Committee was supplemented by private donation, grants, and trust funds.

MEMORIAL WALL

The Memorial Wall in the Function Room hallway commemorates those who have been honored with donations to the Orleans MA Council on Aging. Name plates are attractive brushed silver engraved with the honoree's name. There is no required monetary amount for this designation. A dedication event is held once a year to honor those whose names have been added to the wall.

Every December, the Orleans Council on Aging creates a "Wish List" that specifies what is needed for the Senior Center and the amount required to purchase that item. Response from the community has been most encouraging every year with donations ranging from the least to the most expensive. Donations to either the Orleans Council on Aging or the FRIENDS of the Orleans Council on Aging are tax deductible.

Memberships to the FRIENDS of the Orleans Council on Aging provide revenue for postage to mail the bi-monthly newsletter, TIDINGS.

The FRIENDS sponsor fundraising events throughout the year so they can meet their sole purpose "to assist the Orleans COA in its programs to meet the needs of the aging". Their donations make possible many "extras" at the Orleans Center and for our seniors. A weekly fundraising event is the Duplicate Bridge game held every Tuesday from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.