Director of Enfield Senior Center Leaving at Month's End

ENFIELD, CT — Susan Lather, director of the Enfield Senior Center since Feb. 2003, will be leaving her position at month's end.

An email from Lather to Social Services Director Dawn Homer-Bouthiette, obtained by Patch from the Enfield human resources department, indicated Lather "will be retiring on or about August 1."

Under her direction, the Enfield center has become one of the most active and profitable senior centers in north-central Connecticut, with over 90,000 visits annually. In keeping up with modern trends and technology, the center now features a fitness center, technology center and health and wellness programs for older adults.

Enfield has received national accreditation for its senior center three times, meeting all national standards, and achieved national recognition with the 2015 Bronze Pinnacle Award for whole-person wellness. In 2005, Lather was selected to attend the White House Conference on Aging as a delegate from Connecticut.

The center has rapidly grown, offering dozens of classes, seminars and workshops on topics such as computer training, health care and financial matters. The site is also the current home of the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame, a move which Lather helped facilitate shortly after arriving 14 years ago.

Among the most popular offerings, attracting hundreds of visitors, are the music programs, which of late have included such varied performers as a Beatles tribute band, the Nifty Fifties Band and, most recently, the Blue Skies Big Band.

Lather's departure will have a profound effect on the senior center, and the town as a whole.

"Susan has done a great job leading the senior center over these many years," Enfield Mayor Scott Kaupin said. "She has been instrumental in diversifying the programs and services offered at the senior center, increasing the volunteer efforts, and achieving accreditation three consecutive times. Susan's leadership will definitely be missed, and I personally thank her for all she has done for our community."

Mike Tippo, recipient of the 2017 Enfield Patriot Award, founding President of the Friends of the Enfield Senior Center and a regular user of the facility, said, "It's a terrible loss to the town, and to the numerous residents who use the center. She's done magnificent things with this senior center, continually getting high national accreditation rankings, which is very important. She has been very innovative with new programs, bringing in social workers, attorneys and other specialists to help seniors with their concerns."

"Fourteen years ago, Susan came to us with a vision that encouraged staff and participants to change their impression of seniors and senior centers," said Elaine Olson, administrative assistant at the senior center for the past 16 years. "We became a vital and active destination with a fitness room, technology center, and music filled Great Room with participants dancing, doing Zumba, Tai Chi and enjoying monthly concerts with tribute and garage bands. The Enfield Senior Center is a very cool place! Susan has been the impetus for us to be the best we can, by going through the accreditation process three times and winning awards for innovative programming. As a team, she has had our support in these endeavors, and we all wish her well as she moves on to another position in her field of improving the lives of older adults."

Lather said, "The town is moving in a different direction, so I'm retiring. We've accomplished so much in the last 14 years, and I've loved my time in Enfield and will miss it very much."

Photo courtesy of Susan Lather