This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Wenham Urges Hamilton to Join in Hiring Shared Senior Director

Susan Carp has been Wenham's interim Council on Aging director for five months and Wenham selectmen want to move ahead with a full-time position, with or without Hamilton.

The Wenham Board of Selectmen on Tuesday decided to delay a decision about a joint Council on Aging director until its next meeting.

Meanwhile, the Wenham board will send a letter to the Hamilton selectmen asking them to move ahead with a proposal to possibly hire a shared director for the two towns.

Interim COA Director Susan Carp, who took over the position when the former director, Trudy Reid, was elected as town clerk last May, told the Wenham board that she has been serving as a full-time director, despite her "interim" title.

Find out what's happening in Hamilton-Wenhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The word interim causes anxiety, but I'm there Monday through Friday," Carp said.

Town Administrator Jeff Chelgren said he has been in discussion for several weeks with Hamilton Town Manager Michael Lombardo about combining senior services. They are recommending a trial of one year with a shared director.

Find out what's happening in Hamilton-Wenhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Carp said a joint director for the two towns could provide for greater funding and grant opportunities.

Selectman John Clemenzi said Carp and Wenham seniors "deserve a plan of action," but Hamilton has kept the discussion in "limbo."

"You're doing a great job from what I can see," Clemenzi told Carp. "I would urge our friends in Hamilton to join us."

Board Chairman Molly Martins said the board will take a vote on the issue at its next meeting, on Oct. 19, at Wenham Town Hall.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Hamilton-Wenham