Senior Spotlight: Kay Page Speaks on Growth at the Senior Center
Sep 27, 2018 11:15AM ● By David Dunbar
COA Chair Kay Page
story & photo by Dave Dunbar, Contributing Writer
An “ambitious plan” to expand the Senior Center by some 2,000 square feet is working its way through the planning and approval process.
“It’s a few years away,” explains Kay Page, the chair of the Council on Aging (COA). “We need to get it right, to think about the future and accommodate our needs. We plan to keep the Center open during expansion,” says Page.
The COA is “the eyes, ears and advocate for the Bellingham senior community,” notes Page who was appointed Chair last year after serving as a board member for three years. She will hold the Chair position until 2021.
She is currently searching for new board members and has three that will likely be appointed soon. What does she look for in a new board member? “They need to be able to think things through and express an opinion… have ideas and be willing to share them… and be willing to work!”
Another significant sign of growth is the appointment of a new director of the Center. “Josie Dutil has great new ideas,” observes Page, “bringing inter-esting new programs focused on healthy living. A perfect fit!”
Because isolation and loneliness are often acute in a senior community, new programs are designed and scheduled to get more folks involved. The Senior Center is adding evening hours and group exercise opportunities.
The COA has its annual Craft Fair coming up on Saturday, November 3 from 9am until 3pm. “It’s near and dear to my heart,’ says Page, “…a fun day with lots of food and dancing to the music of Polka Paul.” Visitors can tour the Senior Center and chat with members of the COA board.
Kay has lived in Bellingham for 54 years. She was born in Indianapolis, raised in St. Louis, and moved to Bellingham when her father received a company promotion and moved the family east. (Her husband has since passed away.)
She has four children who are grown and married, 11 grandchildren and three great grand-daughters (a fourth great grand-daughter is was also expected shortly after the Bulletin's deadline.). “We have a reunion every five years around Thanksgiving.”
