Celebrating COA Director Roberta Lynch's Retirement

Celebrating COA Director Roberta Lynch

With over 150 people gathering at The Center at Medfield, mostly comprised of senior residents and friends and family, members of the Council on Aging surprised COA Director Roberta Lynch with a retirement party on Thursday afternoon!

The Center was decorated with retirement displays and tables were set up in every room with plates of sweets and appetizers for the guests to enjoy.

Thursday, December 29th, the day of the party, was Roberta’s last day on the job and she had been taken out to lunch by a few family members so the party planners could do their work. When she returned to The Center she (and her adorable dog, Buddy) were greeted with signs of Congratulations outside the doors and a great deal of people just inside the lobby.

“I was overwhelmed, amazed and appreciative!” said Lynch. “It has been a joy to come to work every day.”

After entering the community room, Lynch was in awe seeing a full house to celebrate her. Within a few moments after entering the room, she spotted her children and grandchildren and ran toward them to give hugs following by greeting as many people as she could before joining her family at the head table.

Once she was seated, COA Board Member, Rich Ryder took to the microphone explaining that he was filling in for COA Chairman Bob Heald who was unable to attend. Ryder referred to Lynch as a “gem” as she has added great value to this community. He praised her for her dedication to the people and her leadership. He pointed out that many residents only come to The Center to vote, and don’t know about the “magic” that takes place there. He went on to explain how important all that Roberta brought to this job over her 21 years and how many people have benefited from her as the COA Director. He went on to say that her “vision” to help seniors was to expand their horizons, deal with issues of the day, stretch their bodies, socialize, help with isolation and to simply ENJOY! He concluded by wishing this beloved director the best on her new life’s journey in retirement with good health and much happiness.

Lynch was then presented with a proclamation from the Norfolk County Sherrif’s office as a gesture of appreciation for all that she has done as COA Director, followed by a short skit written and narrated by Rose Thibault, titled "Ode to Roberta". These ladies made sure everyone knew how many"hats" Roberta has worn over the years:

• The Chef - played by Nancy Gerstel, COA Board Member
• The COA Bus Driver - played by Patty Byrne
• The BINGO Caller - played by Donna O'Neill, COA Board Member
• The Grocery Shopper - played by Jane Timmerman, COA Board Member
• The Nurse - played by Pat Shapiro

Donna O’Neil and Nancy Gerstel were 2 of the party planners and Donna reflected by stating, "Roberta recently received an award from the Commonwealth of MA for her work and commitment. It was Roberta who began the process to build a garage for our vehicles. She also kept the senior center “open” via Zoom during the pandemic, with cookouts, breakfasts, day trips, speakers, The Club, etc. The list is endless."

Nancy Gerstel stated, “One of the advantages of having a vibrant Senior Center in your town is the quality and variety of programs offered. We found a “one of a kind Director” when the town hired Roberta. The quality and variety of programs offered at our senior center are second to none. And, it’s because of the dedication, time and effort by Roberta that Medfield is one the premier senior centers in Massachusetts.”

Lynch’s son Kevin said a few words of love and appreciation from her entire family and then Roberta took to the podium and looked out upon the overflowing roomful of friends with tears in her eyes. She talked about retiring after working for 21 years (and 4 months)and how much she loved it. She went on to say that the hardest thing she had to do leading up to her last day at work was to give back her keys to The Center! (a few giggles followed). Roberta concluded her remarks by mentioning her beloved dog Buddy (a regular guest at The Center) knowing how much he will be missed by everyone. Choking up a bit as she concluded, she stated “Everyone is thanking me, but I should be thanking all of you.”