By Gina Greco
The Town of Webb Board appointed Linda Heistman as the new Webb Senior Activities Director at its Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 13th.
The program will take place once a week, on Wednesdays starting February 5th at the Niccolls Church, in Old Forge.
Linda lives in Thendar. She said she moved to the area from Clinton in 2012, after being a frequent camping and hiking visitor.
She has a 2009 Associates Degree in Recreation and Leisure in Therapy from Mohawk Valley Community College.
Linda said she has always had a special interest in the elderly.
“Even as a child, I enjoyed going to the nursing home and helping out with the Activities Department,” she said.
Linda volunteered with activities and did an internship at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford from 2006 through 2011.
She has been a care attendant for most of her adult life, she said.
In her new Town of Webb position, Linda said she is going to be planning a lot of fun activities for the program including gardening, pet therapy and Retro Days to celebrate years past.
She hopes in the future to have model airplanes and cars, some sports trivia and possibly some fishing activities.
“I’m hoping the senior participants will come up with some of their own ideas, too.”
“It’s going to be their program; I’m just there to coordinate things,” she said.
Linda said she thinks its very important that the seniors are involved in the community and vice versa. “That is one of my main focuses,” she said.
Linda said they are still in need of volunteers to help with transporting, running errands, making lunches, setting up and other needs.
“I would also like to see a web page sometime in the future,” she said.
Linda said she wants to emphasize that this program will be different than the Inlet Respite Care.
“Our program is going to be more independent. We do welcome people with special needs, as long as they bring their own care giver,” Linda said.
Town of Webb Councilwoman, Mary Brophy Moore said they Town Board had some very good candidates from which to choose.
“Linda is very qualified. To me, she had the perfect background for what we’re looking for in terms of her educational degree and her experience. Her passion for working with the elderly was very clear. I’m excited about her,” Mary said.
“I’ve talked to people that know her and they speak highly of her competence and passion and integrity.”
“She’s got some wonderful ideas. She will do everything she can to make this program work, and make the sure everyone is happy,” she said.
The hours of the program are still uncertain, but Linda is considering having it from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“I’m also looking at doing a contest for the seniors to come up with a name for the program,” she said.
Those wanting more information about the Town of Webb’s Senior Activity Program, or to offer their volunteer services, can call (315) 369-5177.