The Danvers Senior Center bid a fond farewell Friday to longtime Director of Senior and Social Services Pamela Parkinson, who is retiring after more than 18 years of dedicated service.
Whether it’s providing people in need with food, helping them to find housing, starting new programming to address a specific need in the community, or working on an individual basis to advocate for seniors, Parkinson created a reputation in Danvers and beyond as someone to count on in times of need.
“We do take for granted what a wonderful seniors program we have. It does not happen by accident. Over (Parkinson’s) more than 18 years of service to the town of Danvers as the director of senior and social services, (she has) enriched the lives of countless elders in our community, not just from Danvers,” said state Rep. Sally Kerans, D-Danvers, who presented Parkinson with a citation from state lawmakers.
“You all are doing the work of supporting not only elders, but anyone in our community who needs a helping hand — and I’ve never seen such need. I’ve never had so many potential eviction cases of men and women in their 70s, unsure of where they’re going. So thank you all for all of that,” Kerans added.