COA Welcomes New Mascot and Van

There have been no summer doldrums at the Marblehead Council on Aging this July.

This month, the COA got a shiny new 2016 Ford Van that can seat up to 12 passengers, or a combination of passengers with or without wheelchairs.

The purchase of the $60,000 van was made possible through funding by a Massachusetts Department of Transportation grant and the Shattuck Fund, according to COA Director Lisa Hooper. Hooper also thanked the Female Humane Society, Friends of the COA, and the Town of Marblehead for their continuing financial support so the COA can operate its transportation program.

Hooper stated the seniors currently use the two COA vans for medical and dental appointments, and for trips in town to the JCC, YMCA, grocery store, and banks.

Anyone stopping by to check out the new van might also spy the COA’s new mascot; a turkey that has been spending a lot of time hanging around the parking lot.

According to Hooper, the turkey is help making sure everyone drives one way and doesn’t speed through the parking lot.