Whitman Council on Aging Approves Fall Reports, Eyes New Lunch Signup Rules

WHITMAN — January 14, 2026 — Whitman Council on Aging reviews packed fall calendar and new senior lunch paperwork rules. Meeting for the first time since November, the council heard a combined two-month director's report covering more than a dozen events, including a Christmas luncheon that drew roughly 130 people and a Knights of Columbus turkey dinner that typically exceeds 300 attendees. The director noted the center shifted its annual pie social to Market Basket this year after bakery quotes came in at roughly $30 per pie versus $8.99 to $12.99 at the grocery chain. A staffer identified as Eileen completed SHINE certification — serving the health insurance needs of everyone — and helped with Medicare open enrollment for the first time, with plans to assist seniors in setting up online accounts before next October's enrollment season. The council also flagged that a new administrative requirement now mandates attendee names be submitted 30 days in advance for the center's monthly subsidized lunch program, with a Valentine's Day lunch set for February serving as the first test of the new process.