The city's Council on Aging will be honored all this month by Wingate at Haverhill for its outstanding service to the senior citizens of Haverhill.

In honor of the Haverhill COA, Wingate at Haverhill will sponsor a variety of events throughout September, including a community-crafting project as well as raffles and giveaways.

Additionally, Wingate at Haverhill will host a special awards breakfast on Friday, Sept. 26, at 9 a.m., at which the COA will receive Wingate's Outstanding Service Award. This event will be free to all seniors.

"They do some really unique programming and are always holding celebrations and involving the community. They always go the extra mile to provided different services for seniors and are always looking at new and different ideas for events, programs and education for the seniors of this city," said Debbie Donovan, a registered nurse and regional marketing director for Wingate Healthcare. Wingate at Haverhill is a residential facility for seniors and others who require 24-hour care.

Vinny Ouellette, director of the Haverhill Council on Aging, said the award is an honor.

"It is always nice to be recognized, but more importantly, it's great to be recognized for the work the staff does here. Something like this basically helps to keep you wanting to be more involved with what we do here. Overall, I think everyone's impressed with the work our staff does," Ouellette said.

Donovan said that in developing the award, Wingate staff looked for recipients who make an extra effort for seniors in the community, especially those who cannot afford private programs.

"The Council on Aging has a very diverse and full program that offers everything from education to social events that seniors in community could need or want. They do an outstanding job with the meal services they provide at the center and their work with Meals on Wheels. They reach beyond the barriers of the center to those that cannot leave their homes, especially with the Meals on Wheels program," Donovan said.

Donovan said it wasn't just the services that made the Council on Aging stand out, but the staff as well.

"There's a lot of people who really depend on them and they are truly there for those people. They're committed to the seniors of Haverhill and it's not an easy job. We wanted to be able to recognize them and say 'well done,' because we know their job can be challenging and it's nice to have the recognition they deserve," Donovan said.

Schedule of related events

Bingo: Thursday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. with refreshments and prizes at the Senior Center, 10 Welcome St.

Autumn door-hanging crafts: Thursday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center, 10 Welcome St.

Award presentation and free breakfast: Friday, Sept. 26, at 9 a.m. at Wingate at Haverhill, 190 North Ave. Registration is required.

For information, contact Leslie Brebner Wingate at Haverhill at 978-372-9837 or the Haverhill Council on Aging at 978-374-2390. Space for events will be limited and reservations are recommended.