In January 2021, I accepted the challenge of becoming the interim director of the Gibson Center with the expectation that I would return to normal life in a few months.  Instead, it has been an extraordinary three years of intense activity and stimulation watching this organization grow and push beyond previous boundaries.

With everyone’s help and ideas we added the Stay Warm, Safe and Dry home modification program with Adam and Renee.  Renee became our Senior Resource Navigator, now getting over 15 calls per week. We began partnering with OLLI to hold multiple classes and offer 20 free memberships, giving access to their full catalogue of programs. We opened the Internet Café and have 9 hours a week of computer training and have given away over 100 chromebooks and iPads.   We have more! When I want real joy, I go to the Activity Room to take in the Lisa DuFault photo gallery of philanthropic and hilarious seniors giving their everything to the Valley.

Our Guest Chef lunches and Arts for Lunch performances have been added to our core congregate and home delivered meals programs that have almost returned to pre-Covid levels of participation with a host of new faces.  Participation in our classes, trips and excursions is up by more than 10%.  We are truly a community hub.

There is so much more ahead.  The Gibson is poised to reduce social isolation and loneliness.  We can partner with others to reach older adults where they live to further our mission to enable seniors in New Hampshire’s Northern Carroll County to live independently and actively, with purpose and dignity. David Smolen has the experience, the heart and the energy to take the Gibson to the next level.  I will be continuing to coordinate our MWV Age-Friendly Community actions and revive HomeShare in the Valley.

I am so proud and excited to return to the Board and support this incredible staff and our new Director.

Thanks to one and all.

Marianne Jackson, MD
Executive Director