coa history



In 1956 Councils on Aging (COA) were first authorized under Chapter 495 of Massachusetts General Laws, Acts of 1956 to establish municipal COA’s. In 1957 the Annual Marshfield Town Meeting voted to adopt Article 44 providing for the creation of a Council on Aging Board consisting of 12 residents appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The town was then able to appropriate funds for the use of the COA, subject to approval by the Board of Selectmen. The COA charge was to; carry out programs designed to meet the problems of aging established under Section 73, of Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

The Marshfield COA officially opened in 1957 at the American Legion Hall with a town appropriation of $1000. The emphasis was crafts, profitable hobbies and making friends. The COA and the 60 Plus Club worked together along with other community groups in the town. The COA looked into a larger space in 1959 and hoped eventually for a social and drop-in center. Local transportation was a concern as highlighted in 1961. It was hoped that a bus could be used for trips. The first telephone was installed at the COA in 1962. The COA felt that life should have a broader scope for retirees in the future. So, in 1968 bus trips and knitting classes were added. Then in 1971 a hot lunch program was added through the schools. The COA finally acquired a bus in 1974 where transportation was offered such as shopping trips, medical appointments, and flu and blood pressure clinics. Meals were also prepared for shut-ins. The COA was staffed by the “Newcomers Club” and in 1977 the COA established a formal set of “Goals and Objectives” along with expanding their Friendly Visitor Program”. That same year, the “Link” newsletter was introduced. Senior Aides from Old Colony Elder Services were secured for staffing. A new location was proposed at the South River School in 1978 where a classroom was utilized. In 1984, the COA moved into the program room at the newly renovated Ventress Memorial Library. A full time Senior Citizen Coordinator was funded by the town in 1985 and the SHINE program began that year too. Many attempts were made during the next 18 years to expand into a larger facility. Then in 1999 the COA was able to secure funding for a preliminary design and cost estimates for a Senior Center. The final design money and construction cost was secured from the town in the amount of $3.125 million dollars along with a block grant of $600,000 in 2000-2001. This resulted in a new one story, 12,600 square foot, free standing facility at 230 Webster Street, on the Wheeler Sports Complex. The COA was also able to establish a new 501-C-3 fundraising group call the Marshfield COA Boosters Inc. that raised $125,000 for furnishings and equipment, through a major capital campaign. The first Senior Center in Marshfield opened its doors in October of 2003.

The COA has continued to respond to meet the growing and diverse needs and interests of the senior community. The COA has accomplished this through hard work, advocacy, planning and careful assessment of needs. The COA also partnered with UMass Gerontology’s Center for Social and Demographic Research. The COA conducted a formalized need’s assessment and a planning study in 2011 and 2018.

The COA has also expanded its outdoor footprint in a 3-phase project through the Community Preservation Act Funds in conjunction with the Marshfield Youth Baseball League. This 3- phase project culminated in early 2021. These outdoor amenities included a walk path, new stairs to the ballfield, a pickleball court, bocce, ping pong, exercise equipment, additional parking, and infrastructure.

The COA and Town of Marshfield was deemed an Age Friendly Emerging Community in 2018. Then in 2019 the Marshfield Senior Center received National Accreditation Status in 2019 from the National Council on Aging for demonstrating and practicing National Standards of Excellence. A few years later Town Meeting approved funding for expansion of the Senior Center. The new 11,200 sq. foot, two story addition was completed in 2022. This expansion has opened up many opportunities for programs and services such as the Seaflower Café, a Fitness Room and a Social Day Program to name a few. Participation, new membership and visibility have continued to flourish as a result of past efforts and improvements.

The town received approval of their Age and Dementia Friendly Action Plan in January 2025. This 5-year plan will give the COA and the Town a road map for many improvements in the future.