Nourishing Body and Soul at Breakfast

by Glenn C. Koenig, Webmaster at Town Wide Mall

Maynard, MA - Residents 60 and over were treated to breakfast this morning, served by members of Maynard's police and fire departments.  About 100 seniors showed up to enjoy eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit salad, and other breakfast fare.  The purpose of the event, known as "Syrup & Sirens" was not only to provide a meal, but also to allow seniors who have reported feeling isolated to share time with others.

While attendees lined up to be served, a local musical quartet, the “Funktones” serenaded the room. They played and sang soul music hits first made popular decades ago by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and the Isleys, and others.  Their music was at just the right volume of sound to allow participants enjoy it, yet easily engage in conversation without having to raise their voices.

The event, held at the Elks’ Club, started at 9 AM and ran for two hours.  In one corner of the room, Maynard’s Public Health Nurse, Moira Carter, along a representative from Emerson Health, staffed a table with information useful to seniors in town.  Steve Silverstein, Director of  Municipal Services (of which the Health Department is a part), was on hand as well.

The Council on Aging helped to coordinate the event and provided transportation to those who needed it, in order to attend.  Others arrived in their own cars or car pooled. C.O.A. Director Amy Loveless was also present to help with the proceedings.  Emerson Health (formerly Emerson Hospital) granted funds to offset the costs of the food and venue.

Participants were able to enter a free raffle for either tickets to local entertainment events at Sanctuary, or for T-shirts bearing a logo to commemorate the event, the first of its kind in town.  Later on, a subsequent raffle was drawn to give away the floral centerpieces (provided by local florist The Flower Pot), that had adorned the tables.

The room was filled with the sound of lively conversation, indicating that those attending appreciated the chance to get together.

Background

The idea for the event stemmed from the results of a survey of seniors in Maynard, conducted last year.  Those who responded listed isolation and lack of social connections as being of high importance.  Ms. Carter, who had launched the survey and interpreted the results, was instrumental in putting together the program for this morning.

Commentary

Isolation and loneliness have been identified as serious issues in today's world dominated by online shopping and social media.  Seniors, especially, are vulnerable as many no longer have the connections they may have once had, either through work, through connections with parents of other school age children, or simply getting out into the community in general, due to mobility limitations.  Many grew up well before today's digital devices and networks went mainstream, in the early 2000s, so participating is often more challenging than it is for younger folks.
So, it was heartening to see an event like this brought to life by various town officials, staff, and volunteers to at least take a step to alleviating the problem!
While there myself, enjoying the free meal, (as I am also over 60!), and taking photos for this story, I decided to make a "Free Hugs" sign and offer free hugs to add to the spirit of the occasion.  I was only approached for a hug by five people, but I consider that a success.  I hope to offer free hugs at other events and I encourage others to do so as well.

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