On an unusually brisk April 8th evening, 30 Mill Creek Towne (MCT) residents came to the local Elementary School for the 12th Annual Meeting of Mill Creek Village, The village is the community’s volunteer, nonprofit community services organization serving: (1) resident seniors in their efforts to age in place and avert social isolation and (2) the entire neighborhood through several intergenerational events and programs designed to foster a caring, informed and connected community.
All services, programs and events are provided by volunteers and are offered free of charge to participants. The Village is funded through neighbors’ donations, local business sponsors and small grants. Appreciation was expressed to the Village’s kind donors, nearly 30 volunteers, and to each of its sponsors.
Newly elected Village President Anna McBain, presided over the meeting. She and Village Secretary Ed Ludwig, presented a review of the Village’s FY 2024 accomplishments and finances. They noted the addition of a new family pool party in 2024, as well as new leaf raking and snow removal assistance for seniors. Ongoing services for seniors include rides to/from appointments, grocery shopping, friendly home visits and check-in phone calls.
Both Anna and Ed emphasized that neighbors helping neighbors make the work of the Village possible. They encouraged members of the audience to get involved.
Ed then introduced the other members of the incoming FY 2025 Board:
Vice President — Kristin Mitas
Treasurer — Wendy Epstein
Director and Social Committee Co-Chair — Cindy Queen
Director and Social Committee Co-Chair — Susanna Castillo
Director — Joe Ginther
Director — Mary Etta Nader
Director Emeritus — Sue Richardson
Brief presentations were also made by:
- Judith Johnson, who spoke on the senior services delivered
- Joe Ginther, who talked about monthly senior luncheons
- Susanna Castillo and Kristin Mitas, who discussed the events calendar and welcomed ideas for programs from the audience
- Beth Giannone, who reviewed the Welcome Wagon efforts to greet new neighbors
- Nancy Brady, who described the programs planned by the MCT Garden Club
After the conclusion of the business portion of the meeting, those in attendance enjoyed a very informative presentation, “Senior Living Solutions: How to Navigate the Complex Questions” by LIsa Friedman of Carefinder. LLC. Some clients she serves can maintain a large degree of independence, others need assistance with their activities of daily living, while others suffer deep declines in both physical and cognitive ability.
She reviewed an array of commercial and private options to meet the wide range of aging challenges experienced by seniors and their families, indicating they also vary greatly in terms of cost, available coverage and community support, care and food quality, cleanliness, caregivers-to-patient ratios, and other measures.
She noted that her role was to help identify the most appropriate and affordable services and make care management referrals, even when it is supporting seniors in their own homes. She can also offer help with downsizing and moving preparations.
Lisa can be reached at 443-847-1862 or carefinder4u@gmail.com. Her website is www.carefinderhelp.com If you have interest in becoming a Village volunteer or have are a resident senior who can use a helping hand, please contact us at 240-686-5870 or at mctvillage@gmail.com or via our website at https://www.millcreekvillage.org
Here are some photos from the event.