Wanted: People committed to seniors’ issues

Eastern Area Agency on Aging is governed by a dedicated board of directors, some of whom have been with us for many years. But term limits instituted a few years ago mean these wonderful people are leaving.

“We will miss them,” said Noelle Merrill, executive director of EAAA, “but we look forward to working with new participants in agency governance.”

That is where you come in. If you are interested in aging issues and would like to be a part of EAAA, Merrill would like to talk to you.

“We would like people who have an interest in senior issues and are not afraid to speak up,” she said. “We are looking for people from all walks of life and varied backgrounds who are not shy about their dedication to the mission of Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Our mission is to be the best source of information, options and services for people in eastern Maine as they grow older – and their families.”

Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s board of directors consists of 17 members, 12 of whom must be from EAAA’s four counties and 60 years of age or older. One position is held by the president of the advisory council. The remaining seats can be filled by people of any age from anywhere in the agency’s coverage area.

EAAA also is looking for members for the advisory council. The advisory council is made up of 24 members, at least four each from the counties that EAAA serves: Penobscot, Washington, Hancock and Piscataquis.

There are several positions open for representation from all four of these counties on both the advisory council and the board of directors, and we are eager to fill the slots with vocal, open-minded and forward-thinking seniors.

“EAAA is hoping to find residents of the four counties who wish to participate in exciting advocacy opportunities, regularly held regional forums, and who want to make a difference in the lives of aging residents of eastern Maine,” said Merrill.

Along with governance, the board of directors can act as legislative advocates for the elderly. Serving EAAA’s board of directors or advisory council will keep the member’s finger on the pulse of public policy and legislation as it applies to the people served by EAAA.

“To be considered for a position on the advisory council or board of directors, please call me and I’ll send you a job description and application,” said Merrill.

The deadline for submitting applications is Oct. 1.

“The advisory council meets four times a year, while the board of director meets monthly, 10 times per year,” said Merrill. The meetings are held during the day and mileage is reimbursed.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to help govern this agency and be a leader on aging issues in the community, as well as be instrumental in structuring policy for Maine’s seniors,” said Merrill. “If you are interested in serving, but cannot make regular meetings or have travel constraints, still give me a call at 1-800-432-7812. We can find a way for you to help.”

Join the dedicated team at EAAA and become an active part of aging policy and service.

Be sure to listen to “Senior Talk” with Carol Higgins Taylor on WVOM-FM 103.9, The Voice of Maine, at 6:30 a.m. Saturdays and at its new time, 8 p.m. Sundays. This half-hour show is designed with seniors in mind. We talk about everything from health benefits to housing, Social Security to care giving. Tune in and give a listen. “Senior Talk” will no longer air on WABI-AM 910.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Email Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.