During the Hennessey Board of Trustees Meeting on October 14th, there was a discussion focused on the Hennessey Senior Center, following public complaints about management and staffing.
Town Administrator Tiffany Rowen clarified that no town employees are working at the center while on the town clock, though one may have volunteered on personal time. The Senior Center’s board is currently inactive, and efforts are underway to form a new one.
Director LaVonna O’Brien, age 90, is retiring due to health concerns. Conflicting accounts were presented about her departure, with one speaker alleging she was being pressured to leave and another citing medical necessity. The cook’s position also came under scrutiny amid reports of conflict and low morale.
Financially, the center is struggling, serving an average of ten people daily. To remain operational, the plan is to combine the director and cook positions into one paid role, with volunteer support from community dietitians for menu planning and purchasing. Applications are now open for the new combined position.
Board members emphasized that the town’s only involvement is ownership of the building and that the center’s operations remain an independent matter.
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