The Council on Aging (CoA) plans to kick off a two-year pilot program Thursday, Sept. 7, providing certain aspects of parking relief to Arlington residents ages 65 and over.

The parking sticker will allow local senior citizens to park for free on streets near the Community Center, in the Russell Common and Railroad Street public parking lots, and at meters on streets nearby, officials say.

"Parking has always been a big topic of conversation here at the Community Center," said CoA Executive Director Kristine Shah. "We hope that this program eases the burden of cost and allows seniors to stay in the [Community Center] building for longer periods of time to attend programs and services."

The Arlington Select Board approved this two-year pilot to offer parking relief for Arlington seniors at its June 26 meeting. The pilot was proposed by Shah and supported by more than 100 senior citizens who attended the meeting.

Residents can apply for stickers either online or in person, as per the following detailed protocols:

UPDATED July 4: Mark Schieldrop, representing the American Automobile Association, delivered an informative presentation to the Retired Men's Club of Arlington on June 24.

Calling himself "the new-car doctor," he presented an in depth discussion of the pros and cons of electronic vehicles.

Pros include fuel, tax credits and incentives, maintenance and environmental. Cons include prices, battery replacement, home installation, electricity costs, time to charge/wait and technology.

Arlington Seniors Association board members were honored recently. From left are Claire Foley, Lorraine Accardi, Joanne Morel, Pat O'Connell, Elisa Lopez, Peggy Pellegrino, June Mackey, Tim Mast and Rose Eromin. / Frank Tadley photo                 SEE MORE PHOTOS >>

“Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve," said the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

"You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve .... You don’t have to know the second [law] of thermodynamics in physics to serve.

You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

In that spirit, an estimated 70 volunteers attended as the Arlington Council on Aging held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon earlier this month at the community center.

Executive Director Kristine Shah with Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Tse addressed those at the gathering to thank them for their dedication to the older adults of Arlington.

UPDATED Nov. 30: The Council on Aging offers programs to Arlington residents 60 and older who may volunteer within town departments to earn property tax credit or rental assistance.

As well, some elderly and disabled residents may qualify for tax relief funds.

Space in these programs is limited.  Awards or placements are subject to availability and application approval. All programs require background checks. 

See below for the programs’ details, application deadlines and links.

To request a paper copy to be mailed to your home, call the Council on Aging’s office at 781-316-3400. 

Senior Center, Maple Street entrance. / Sterling Associates rendering

UPDATED April 28: A ribbon-cutting has been scheduled for the $8.55 million in renovations at the building long known as the Senior Center. After two years of phased work, the building is called the Arlington Community Center as it has reopened more fully in April.

The public is invited to the official opening event to be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 5.

The town invites the Arlington community to attend the event. It will feature remarks from Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine; Jennifer Raitt, director of planning and community development; Kristine Shah, Council on Aging director; and representatives from the Council on Aging Board and the Select Board.

A brief tour featuring an overview of the building renovations and improvements will follow. Refreshments will be provided, and members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Community Center Renovation Project was guided and overseen by the Department of Planning and Community Development with management support provided by the Permanent Town Building Committee.

Susan Carp speaks as a senior listens in 2019.

3 programs offer property tax, rental assistance

Arlington residents age 60 and older may volunteer in town departments to earn property-tax credit or rental assistance. Here is some information about three options:

• Elderly and Disabled Property Tax Relief Fund
• Senior Homeowner Property Tax Relief Work Off Program
• Harry Barber Renters Work Off Program 

Application links are here or call our office if you need a paper copy mailed to your home. Please see application for deadlines.