Lunenburg Council On Aging

The Lunenburg Council on Aging/Eagle House Senior center is a department of the Town of Lunenburg. The center is a source of service and a place of opportunity - a focal point in the community. We function as an information and referral service for elders and their families. We offer programs and services that are diverse and inclusive, promote dignity and well-being, support independence and encourage involvement in community life. We augment services and programs by coordinating with: Central Mass Agency on Aging SHINE program, private groups and civic organizations, Lunenburg public schools, Lunenburg Police & Fire Departments, Montachusett Opportunity Council Nutrition Program, Montachusett Home Care Corp. & Nashoba Nursing & Hospice.

The mission of the Lunenburg Council on Aging is to advocate for improved quality of life for all seniors through supportive services, programs, and education. The Lunenburg COA was organized by the Board of Selectmen in the summer of 1966 "to carry out programs designed to meet the problems of the aging". In 1967 at the annual town meeting the Board of Selectmen were authorized to establish a local Council on Aging in accordance with the General Laws of Massachusetts. The purpose was to carry out programs designed to meet the problems of the aging in coordination with the programs of the Massachusetts Commission on Aging, now known as the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The Lunenburg COA has had many homes beginning with meeting at the community room at Pearl Brook Elderly Housing, delivering Meals on Wheels from the United Parish Building, and meeting at St. Boniface Church. In 1988 permission was granted from the Selectmen to take steps necessary to allow the use of the old Legion House as a senior citizen center. The Legion House then became known as the Eagle House Senior Center. The Eagle House Senior Center Committee was formed and through total volunteer effort raised over $145,000.00 to renovate the structure. In 1995 the town received a $701,914.00 grant from the Department of Communities and Development. A building committee was appointed by the Selectmen to oversee the construction of a 4,000 square foot addition to the Eagle House which was completed in 1998. The COA staff continues to keep pace with the increased need for community based elder services.