by Lynda King
Council on Aging Director Ginger Quarles announced this week that she will be leaving her Harvard post to take a position as COA director in Concord, starting April 26. Quarles, who has served as Harvard's COA director for just over seven years, told the Press her decision to leave was a difficult one to make.
"I've loved this job and the seniors here," she said. "It will be hard for me to leave."
Quarles said that the position in Concord opened up when the former COA director there retired.
"The opportunity presented itself," she said. "I wasn't actively looking. I applied, and I'm honored that I made it through the process." She added, "Opportunities to be a COA director in towns like Concord don't come up very often." She went on, "This was the best decision for me, personally and professionally."
Reflecting on her years with the COA in Harvard, Quarles said, "We've really come a long way. When I came here, there was one employee working 19 hours a week, and as a result programming was minimal."
Now, in addition to Quarles, the staff includes an outreach coordinator, and programming includes educational workshops on issues affecting seniors; computer classes; wellness clinics; and seniors-only trips to plays, musicals, and points of interest throughout New England, not to mention social networking opportunities and exercise programs.
Quarles said that the recent controversy over renovations to Hildreth House and the potential move of the COA to the old library had no bearing on her decision to leave. Asked what her biggest challenge in Harvard has been, she replied: "One thing we've really worked hard on is educating the public on what a COA is and what we can provide. It's as important to the town as fire and police services. We've done a good job, but there's always more that can be done."
Commenting on her impending departure, Quarles said, "Transition is always difficult. But Harvard will be fine. There is a strong staff here, a strong board of directors, and great volunteers."
She said that no decision has been made yet on replacing her. But, she said, "I'm 100 percent committed to helping the town find a new COA director." She added, "I live here. I'll always be an advocate for senior citizens in this town."