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Seniors at The Meeting Place Carve Pumpkins
Getting ready for Pumpkin Fest
Newport – “You don’t have time to get old at The Meeting Place”, says Jennifer Barnes, Activities Coordinator. Her job is to find ways for seniors to get exercise, socialize, and remain involved in a community of friends through group programs.
On Wednesday, clients reclaimed their youth by carving Jack-o-Lanterns as part of the Pumpkin Fest, sponsored by the Up-East Chamber of Commerce. Pumpkin Fest opens Friday with a 5:00 reception at the Flying Goose Gallery in Newport.
“Our clients still like to have fun,” explains Debra Hunt, Director of The Meeting Place. “Adult Day Services provide a healthful and safe environment for our senior clients, but we also work hard to be a place they like coming to.”
On Wednesday, a group of enthusiastic seniors pitched in making Jack-o-Lanterns, getting their hands dirty as they cleaned out the seeds, and teasing each other with the scary faces. “We couldn’t have a better group of people here,” said Vi Ferguson of Lowell who comes to The Meeting Place several days a week.
The Meeting Place is a state-certified Adult Day Program that provides daytime care, nutritious breakfast and lunch, and a variety of activities appropriate to the individual needs of the clients. Specific care plans are overseen by a staff nurse. Some clients come every day while others may attend the facility for four or five hours, once a week. For eligible clients, program fees are covered by Medicaid.
The Meeting Place is a new facility operating in a 160-year-old historic building in Newport. Once a Baptist Church, the ground floor has now been converted into a series of rooms with antique furnishings to create a warm homelike environment. The Meeting Place includes activities rooms, a quiet room, and a community dining area. The bathrooms include a wheelchair shower.
The Meeting Place is located at 100 Second Street in Newport. For more information, stop by for a tour or call 334-7604