Board of Directors

Seeking Positive Change – Board Chair Larry Eaton Embraces Challenges
When it comes to serving the community, Newport Senior Center Board Chair says that challenges can become opportunities with hard work. A member of the board for over 15 years, Eaton has been part of the Center’s evolution as a service provider. “As an organization, I think we are always learning and trying to keep up to meet the needs of those we serve. I am also particularly proud of how we adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were some intense times and we never missed a beat.” He went on to say that the collaboration between the board, staff and community is an unbreakable bond. “The community has a long history of supporting the Center. And for many programs and fund raisers, the board and staff work hand in hand.” Eaton added “I’m always an optimist and view the glass as half-full” he said. “Yes, some older adults need help and face obstacles. But the Center is up to the challenge to help those in need. That is why we’re here.”

A True Resource for our Community
A native of Newport, David Shultz is excited to be part of the Senior Center which he calls “a true resource for our community.” Retired from a career in engineering, Dave saw firsthand the value of the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels as his father was a former Board Member. “All of the work the Center staff does is in support of older adults. I know how much that meant to my dad. He also took part in congregate meals"

“This area has always been home to me and I’m looking forward to being on the board and doing my part.”

In addition to serving as a hub for a broad range of activities both onsite and in the community, Dave says that the camaraderie created by the Center’s staff and volunteers is a highlight for him. “It’s very much a welcoming place and the people are wonderful. This part of the state is more rural than others, so having a location where people can feel connected is important.”

There Really is so Much Here for Older Adults
With a broad and varied background in finance and the non-profit world, Shirley Barry brings a very strong skill set to her board role at the Newport Senior Center. “The Center plays a very important role in our community,” she says. “From all of the services and programs at the site as well as providing access to meals, there really is something for everyone.”

Shirley moved to the area 30 years ago from New Jersey and quickly embraced the community as home. Prior to her board role, she was a frequent volunteer at the Center, working in the thrift shop and co-leading the Bone Builders Exercise program. Well aware of the social isolation many older adults face, Shirley lauds the Center as a “fun place to gather and meet people.” To provide even more opportunities for seniors, the board is discussing adding additional arts and crafts programs.

As one of the newer board members, Shirley is “learning new areas of the organization all of the time. There really is so much here for older adults in Newport and across the area and all are welcome.”

I Knew I wanted to Get Involved
A retired biochemist, David Stitt moved to the area several years ago from Maryland and first found out about the Newport Senior Center when he dropped in for a flu shot. “I had no idea about the breadth and depth of what the Center offers,” he said. “As I learned more, and recognized the role it plays in the community, I knew I wanted to get involved.”

Coming from a field where research, data management, and process improvement is key, Dave is looking forward to applying his skills to his board role at the Center and learning new things. “I think the two go hand in hand. I can’t wait to learn more about the Center and to use some of my past experiences to help us move forward in support of our clients.”

Working To Make Connections For Older Adults
Having moved from Claremont to Newport eleven years ago, Ann Marie Fowler found joining the board of the Newport Senior Center a fortunate connection. “As we were new in town, this was a great way to get to know the area and do good at the same time,” she recalled. As a newcomer, she and her husband signed up to come to congregate meals at the Center. After a short time, she was asked to join the board and didn’t look back.

In terms of board service, she enjoys the many aspects of volunteerism from promoting programs to fundraising. She ran her own business as a hairdresser in Claremont for 40 years and brings her business expertise to the board. Ann Marie has a great appreciation for the variety of opportunities the Center offers older adults. “The meals are great and there are so many activities,” she said. “I’ve referred several friends and neighbors to the Center and am always sharing the monthly calendar of meals and events.” She went on to say that in addition to the many activities and programs offered, the Center offers “opportunities for companionship.” Sometimes people are cut off. This is one way they can stay connected and active,” she says.

Proud to be Part of an Organization that is “Relentless” to Serve Older Adults
For Newport native Robin Bellinger, joining the board of the Newport Senior Center was the easiest of decisions. “I knew about the organization as they had helped my father, and I had brought my mother to the center to play Bingo,” she said. “I saw how much those interactions meant to my parents and how the staff go out of their way to help older adults. It really is an organization I wanted to be part of.” Robin, a retired veteran, moved back to her hometown following a career in the military. In addition to serving on the board of the Senior Center, Robin helps take care of her mother, now 97, and runs her own pet sitting business called Critter Sitter. While her job and volunteer pursuits keep her busy, she also enjoys hiking with her two dogs and advocating for a local pet rescue program.

In addition to the broad range of services available at the Senior Center, Robin has seen first-hand the valuable connections the Center helps older adults, and their families, make. “This area will always be home to me and a special place where the community comes together to help those in need...the Senior Center is a critical part of that.” “The staff is relentless in their mission to serve older adults and help them remain independent as long as possible.”

Born and raised in the area, you might say that volunteer service is in Jeff Cornish’s blood, and it is, as his mother Sandy, has also served as a volunteer leader at the Newport Senor Center.

“We care so much for this community and people who live here,” he said. And older adults are facing some critical challenges today from lack of food to loneliness, the Senior Center provides critical programs and access to services for those in need.”

As one of the Center’s newer board members, Jeff is looking forward to learning more about community need and the role the non-profit plays. He also takes very seriously his role as ambassador for the Senior Center. “It’s important to spread the word as to what is available here,” he said. “We want to provide as many opportunities as we can for older adults to come to the center and engage in activities, both for better health and stay connected to others.”