It seems like more than a coincidence that the word “irreplaceable” has former Newtown Senior Services Director Marilyn Place’s last name in it.

After 30 years of dedicated service to the senior community, Ms Place announced her resignation last month, followed by the use of vacation time, to the surprise of many residents.

The Newtown Bee immediately began receiving an outpouring of letters from local seniors, as well as those who taught programs at the center, voicing their concerns for the senior center’s future without the longtime director.

Nunnawauk Meadows resident Betty Presnell was one of the first to write in expressing her thoughts.

“The saying ‘everyone can be replaced’ is simply not true in the case of Marilyn Place…” Ms Presnell wrote in her Letter to the Editor on December 30. “Newtown, I’m so sorry for our loss.”

Newtown resident Terry Curry heard the announcement of Ms Place’s retirement during a senior center bingo party of December 19, and says the seniors were “shocked” to hear that she would not be moving on with them to the senior center’s new location at Fairfield Hills.

Marianne Muskus agreed, stating in her Letter to the Editor, published on December 24, “I would like to convey my feelings of shock and dismay regarding Marilyn Place’s announcement of her resignation… I feel very sad to know she will not be a part of the new center after she has dedicated almost thirty years in an overcrowded and inadequate meeting place.”

She ended her note be saying, “Unfortunately, Newtown is losing a very dedicated and loyal director, and I think we can agree she is irreplaceable.”

Many active members of the senior center applauded Ms Place for the work she had accomplished over the years and commended her for the positive impact she had on their experiences there.

In Patricia Campbell’s Letter to the Editor, published January 9, she wrote, “Marilyn is one of the most dedicated, community-building, supportive, kind, and knowledgeable people about senior needs that I have ever met… I experienced Marilyn both as an attendee at the center as well as a class provider. In all my interactions, Marilyn was enthusiastic, supportive, and professional.”

Fellow class instructor Hank Meirowitz of New Milford reached out to The Newtown Bee in December to express his appreciation for Ms Place, who gave him the opportunity to lead three Lunch & Learn presentations at the senior center.

“Her sudden departure and retirement is sad news to everyone who was touched by her enthusiasm and understanding as well as through her tireless work on behalf of seniors…” he said. “We miss her already.”

Farewell Words

On January 17, Ms Place told The Newtown Bee that in the passing weeks she has read the seniors’ letters pertaining to her time as director.

“The letters are amazing and validates [the] true friendships that were formed as the result of always being in tune to the senior community, but more so truly enjoying what I did,” Ms Place said.

Looking back on her 30 years at the senior center, she says her time there was a journey.

“I will miss the involvement that made many fond memories spanning some three generations of some fabulous seniors. I wish them well going forward,” Ms Place said. “I will treasure the friendships, experiences, and relationships that were formed.”

New Director

Newtown’s Human Resources Administrator Patrice Fahey said that, as of January 7, the town has not posted a job opening for the position of director.

“We are currently assessing our needs so that we can understand what type of candidate will best fit this position,” she said in an e-mail to The Newtown Bee.

As a result, First Selectmen Dan Rosenthal hosted a Listening Session on January 11 at the senior center for its members to share their thoughts on what they would like to see from a new director.

“I want to hear from all of you, in terms of your thoughts going forward…” Mr Rosenthal stated to the seniors present. “I care about what you all have to say.”

For more information about the Newtown Senior Center’s current programs and daily activities, visit newtown-ct.gov/senior-center or call 203-270-4310.