Marshfield Senior Center Fact Sheet: December 2002
The April 2001 Annual Town Meeting approved funding for the design and construction of a new Senior Center to be built at 230 Webster Street on town-owned land. Construction began in September 2002 and is expected to be finished by summer 2003.
What is the size of our Senior Population? The 2001 Town Census showed a total town population of 25,200, of which 3,826 were age 60 or over (a 49% increase over 1990). The projected senior population for the year 2005 is 5,318+(a 107% increase over 1990).
What is a Senior Center? It is community focal point where older adults come together for:
Companionship to counteract isolation
Stimulating Activities to exercise the mind and body
Social Services to protect Senior independence
Assistance for Families and Caregivers of Seniors
What will the new Senior Center be like?
12,600 square feet (67’ x 170’) single story with attic, wood frame on concrete slab, designed to be compatible with the neighboring Daniel Webster Historic Home
Many programs and services offered simultaneously
Senior friendly (bright light, good acoustics, comfortable furniture, zoned climate controls)
Well built, low maintenance, ADA compliant, handicapped accessible
Serves as an Emergency Shelter with a gas fueled emergency generator
Unites all town senior groups (Sixty Plus, AARP) under one roof
Campus setting of the Daniel Webster Estate, Youth Baseball Fields and Webster’s Wilderness conservation land, with shared parking for 100 and an improved, safer entry road
Rooms for arts and crafts, media/library, computers, exercise, gift shop for senior-made items, multifunction classroom, conference room, large dining and meeting room seating 200
Offices for wellness, volunteer services, health insurance counselors, income tax and legal advice, and administration
What will it cost to build? The total cost for design and construction is $3,725,000. Of this amount, $3,125,000 was voted by Town Meeting, to be funded within existing taxation by borrowing for a twenty-year term at an anticipated interest rate of 5.5%. There was no Proposition 2½ override. An additional $600,000 was received from a Community Development Block Grant.
Does this pay for everything? No. $100,000 (originally $75,000) of the construction cost is allocated for furnishings and equipment. The full estimate for F&E is about $200,000, leaving an additional $100,000 to be raised.
The Marshfield Council On Aging Boosters, Inc., a new tax-exempt non-profit organization, will solicit charitable donations to purchase the remaining furnishings and equipment and to support the Council On Aging’s ongoing services and programs. Fundraising activities include a Brick and Bench Program, Major Donor/Benefactor/Supporter gifting Programs, annual fashion shows and yard sales, and direct solicitations. Anyone wishing to make a donation may write to Marshfield COA Boosters, Inc., P.O.Box 165, Marshfield, MA 02050
How do we insure the Senior Center will be built on time, to specifications and on budget? The Senior Center Building Committee, with the assistance of the Town Administrator, conducted exhaustive competitive open bidding for the architect, general contractor, project management and CDBG grant management. Joe Rizza of Courtstreet Architects and Travi Construction are quality firms. McKinnell, McKinnell & Taylor, our project manager and clerk of the works, provide thorough engineering and construction oversight. Sharon Gay of STG Associates, our grant manager, serves as internal financial and compliance auditor. Bill Giordano is our accountant.
Questions? Call the Marshfield Council On Aging at 781-834-5581.
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