In 2021, the COA employed the Nashua Regional Planning Commission to conduct an assessment of the needs of older adults in Pelham. Recommendations from that report are guiding the future direction of the COA. The following briefly describes those recommendations. For a complete copy of the report contact the COA.
1) Hobbs Community Center is viewed as an asset for programming for older adults. Consideration should be given to offering programming at other sites in town including the library, parks, schools, churches, clubs and other facilities. Providing some programs off-site has the dual benefit of reducing demand for space at Hobbs Community Center, while integrating more activities for older adults in the community.
2) The majority of older adults drive their own vehicles and do not anticipate that they will stop driving in the next ten years. The town should ensure road improvements (including repaving) incorporate fog lines to better define travel lanes with the installation of clearly visible signage and lighting, where necessary.
3) For those 50+, who do not drive, there is access to Hobbs Community Center handicapped van which operates Monday-Friday from 9 am – 3 pm. Uber & Lyft, which provide 24/7 on-demand rides for a fee should be investigated. Other towns have successfully implemented such programs.
4) The majority of older adults live in their own homes and believe that they can age in place. To assist older adults in accessing the services that they need to maintain their health and well-being and reduce demands placed on care givers, the town should consider hiring a professional social worker, knowledgeable in the range of available programs and services.
5) Many Pelham older adults are healthy and ambulatory, and wish to walk for both exercise and recreation. Walkers are limited by the lack of a well-developed sidewalk network. With a few strategic extensions, the town could create a sidewalk network that would link Pelham’s two subsidized senior housing developments with Hobbs Community Center, Town Hall and several other facilities that serve Pelham’s older adult population.
6) Pelham has a robust park system and expansive conservation lands that include an extensive network of trails. Survey results indicate, however, that these facilities are under-utilized, by Pelham older adults. Every effort should be made to increase awareness of and expand older adult programming to take greater advantage of these resources.
In Conclusion becoming an age-friendly community requires more than addressing a series of specific needs. It requires incorporating the needs of older adults in all aspects of planning for improvements to the town with emphasis on addressing: access to health care, transportation, housing, social engagement, parks and public buildings, for the benefit of Pelham’s rapidly growing older adult population.
Special Capital Projects:
Outdoor Recreation Area & Shade Pavilion
The coronavirus pandemic caused an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation among older adults, carrying with it significant health and emotional risks. In recognition of this, in 2020 the Pelham NH Council on Aging (COA) rented and erected a humongous outdoor tent on the property behind Hobbs Community Center. The tent was erected to hold safe, outdoor activities for older adults during the COVID pandemic. Corn Hole, weight training, exercise classes, a Chili Hot Dog Day and many other events were held under the tent during the COVID pandemic, while adhering to pandemic restrictions.
The COA was delighted by how well the temporary structure was received. Many older adults in the Pelham community live in apartment buildings and/or do not have access to safe, outdoor space. Clearly older adults, who have access to outdoor space, can connect with the natural world and are, as a result, happier both physically and mentally. Throughout the summer months there was a waiting list of people who wanted to participate in activities held under the tent. The end of summer (2020) culminated with a socially distanced, social event, held under the tent that allowed everyone to safely gather to listen to music, and see and talk to others they had not seen in months. The positive impact on the spirit of each participant was obvious and vocalized by attendees. The simple act of gathering, had lifted everyone’s spirit, allowing them to reconnect to a world that had been solitary, giving everyone hope for the future.
Given the positive response to the activities held under the tent and requests from older adults for more outdoor activities, the COA made plans to rent a tent again in 2021, but the cost increased significantly. This increase in cost prompted the COA to consider building a permanent structure and simultaneously upgrade the safety of the area behind Hobbs Community Center, so that it is accessible for all older adults. The Outdoor Recreation Area and Shade Pavilion will enable Hobbs Community Center to double the capacity of the Center to serve older adults, without having to build an addition to the existing building, and increase opportunity for older adults to enjoy being outdoors. This recreation area includes a Shade Pavilion designed to accommodate 60 people seated at tables, or 100 non-seated people.
The projected cost of the project was around $70,000. The COA secured bids from local contractors for everything from redesigning the sprinkler system, installing power to the Pavilion, building the Pavilion, landscaping the outdoor area, building accessible paths and purchasing outdoor furniture, fire pits and other equipment. The COA has raised the funds to build the Outdoor Recreation Area and Shade Pavilion, thanks in large part to the NH Charitable Foundation, Enterprise Bank, Pelham Healthcare Associates, Ralph Judkins, a COA board member, and hundreds of individual and local business donations. This project was complete in the spring of 2022. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony occurred on June 23rd, 2022.
I am happy to report that we’ve raised $80,000+ to build an Outdoor Recreation Area and Shade Pavilion on the grounds of Hobbs Community Center. It is with a grateful heart that I share this list of generous people and businesses, who will make a positive difference for older adults in our community. The following is a list of those donors who made contributions of $1,000 or more to the project. The COA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 23rd, 2022 to recognize all of our donors. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Yvonne La-Garde, Pelham NH Council of Aging.
** Pavilion Donations **
| $10,000+ | |
| Enterprise Bank & Trust Company | New Hampshire Charitable Foundation |
| Boston Billiards Club, Nashua, NH | River Casino & Sports Bar, Nashua, NH |
| $5000 | |
| Judkins, Ralph & Barbara | Pelham Healthcare Associates |
| $1,000 – $3,000 | ||
| Arrow Container Services, LLC | Bedard, Roberta J. | Bergeron, James P. |
| Claypool, David | Gagnon, Paul & La-Garde, Yvonne | John H. Hargreaves Memorial Post |
| Lamoureux, Robert | Southern NH Health | Rogers, Helen |
| Steck, Linda |
2nd Capital Project: Bringing Pickle Ball to Pelham
Discover the Pickleball Craze Sweeping Pelham!
Pickleball, the dynamic and rapidly growing sport that fuses elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, has taken Pelham by storm! With nearly 3.1 million Americans already hooked, this exciting game is capturing the hearts of residents young and old.
Why Pickleball?
- Inclusive Fun: Pickleball is a sport for everyone! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, Pickleball offers a level playing field that both men and women can enjoy together.
- Low-Impact Fitness: Embrace a healthier lifestyle with Pickleball’s low-impact on knees and joints. It’s the perfect aerobic exercise without the risk of high-impact injuries.
- Easy to Learn: Unlike some sports that require months of practice, Pickleball can be picked up quickly by almost anyone. The rules are simple, and the learning curve is friendly, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.
- Affordable: Getting into Pickleball won’t break the bank! Quality paddles are available for as low as $40, and balls cost around $2. It’s an economical way to stay active and engaged.
Pickleball in Pelham – Making it Happen!
In response to overwhelming demand, the COA has spearheaded the creation of four brand new Pickleball courts at the Hobbs Community Center. Thanks to the support of the Pelham Select and Planning Boards, and the many volunteers, the project is now a reality.
Meet Lynne Hildreth – Your Pickleball Coordinator!
Lynne Hildreth, our dedicated Pickleball Coordinator, is here to guide you through the exciting world of Pickleball in Pelham. From free lessons for beginners to coordinating thrilling annual tournaments, Lynne ensures that the courts are well-maintained and ready for play.
Getting Involved:
- Lessons for All Levels: Lynne schedules free Pickleball lessons throughout the season for players of all levels. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s always room for improvement and fun!
- Annual Tournament: Join in the competitive spirit with our annual Pickleball tournament. It’s a chance to showcase your skills, meet fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy some friendly competition.
- Open to All: The Pickleball courts are free and open to the public from dawn until dusk. Connect with Lynne to learn how to use Sign-up Genius to find fellow players. While usage is free, a donation to the COA for court maintenance is appreciated.
Join the Pickleball Movement in Pelham!
Don’t miss out on the Pickleball excitement! Contact Lynne Hildreth at LynneHildreth@comcast.net to get involved, schedule lessons, or participate in upcoming events. Pelham Pickleball is more than a game; it’s a community-driven, active lifestyle waiting for you!
** PICKLEBALL DONATIONS **
| $10,000+ | |
| Pelham NH Council on Aging | River Casino & Sports Bar |
| $3,500-$5,000 | ||
| Pelham Parks & Recreation Department | Arrow Container Services, LLC | Titus Plomaritis |
| John & Sheryl Mara | 360 SportsScape | RGA Tire & Auto Repair |
| Hirsh Logging & Lumber |
| $1,000 -$3,000 | ||
| Lamoureux, Robert & Sharon | Hildreth, Lynne & Bruce | Gagnon, Paul & Yvonne La-Garde |
| Levasseur, Robert & Roberta | Pelham Good Neighbor Fund | Pelham Community Spirit, Inc. |
| Beauty Cottage Salon | Boston Concrete Company | Fournier, Cynthia & Daniel |
| A Handy Man Company |
Pelham PickleBall Courts
Our Third Capital Project
Building a Celebration Park in Pelham
The Pelham Council on Aging is in the third phase of utilizing unused space on the grounds of the Community Center. Phase one was the construction of the Shade Pavilion. Phase two, the Pickle Ball courts, and phase three, now in the planning stages, a Celebration Park. This will consist of trees, ornamental flowering shrubs, perennial gardens, accessible pathways, benches and bird houses. Inspired by the COVID pandemic and lack of accessible outdoor space, the addition of a Celebration Park will help the COA ensure that all Pelham residents have access to outdoor spaces. A wheelchair accessible, age-friendly park that is adjacent to the Community Center will increase opportunities for older adults to enjoy the outdoors and be in close proximity to amenities, (e.g., bathroom facilities, shaded area to relax, picnic). Public spaces, such as parks and Community Centers, are important. They bring a sense of community and social belonging. They belong to everyone, regardless of age, income and background. Parks have been shown to improve mental and physical health, and also enhance the environmental quality of the community.
The COA’s plan will require the area to be irrigated, loamed, fertilized and seeded. Pathways will be excavated and filled with hard pack. Twenty-two trees and flowering ornamental shrubs will be planted. Seven perennial garden beds will be created. Bluebird houses, bird baths, benches and two informational kiosks will be installed. These will identify and describe the trees, shrubs, and perennial plants, and recognize organizations and donors that sponsored the project and those who volunteered to create the park.
Was there someone in your life for whom you would like to have a special memorial right here in Pelham? A special person, pet, or a moment in time? Now you can do that by purchasing a tree or ornamental shrub to be planted as a memorial, in the Celebration Park. A sign engraved with your words will be placed at the base of your plant and information regarding your donation will be visible in a kiosk. With your permission, a permanent record, in the person’s memory, will be digitalized on the COA’s Celebration Park web-site page, for future generations to see.
Naming Rights for a Tree – such as Fir, Japanese Maple, Hinoki False Cypress, Golden Thread Cypress, Norway Spruce, Linden, Maple, Willow, Weeping Cherry, Lilac, Crabapple, Dogwood, Redbud, Magnolia, etc. $1,500 each.
Naming Rights for an Ornamental Flowering Shrub – such as Azalea, Rose of Sharon, Viburnum, Pinky Winky Hydrangea, Mock Orange, Snowball, Weigela, etc. $500 each.
Please note tree/shrub selection cannot be guaranteed as these will depend on suitability, location and availability. Upon receipt of your memorial donation, a private meeting will be scheduled to discuss plant selection, signage and replacement, should it become necessary. Cost includes purchase, planting of tree/shrub and signage.
If you are interested, please make checks payable to Pelham NH Council on Aging, 8 Nashua Rd, Pelham, NH 03076. Include your contact information with the check so that a COA representative can contact you to discuss your gift. For more information email Yvonne La-Garde at: ylg52@comcast.net.
