State Representative Mark Falzone is pleased to announce the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Formula Grant award to the Saugus Council on Aging. The Saugus Council on Aging will receive $41,356, which it plans to use to employ a program/volunteer coordinator, provide for newsletter printing/distribution, and utilities. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs will soon mail the Formula Grant award notices to municipal councils on aging in 348 cities and towns in Massachusetts.

Representative Falzone emphasized, “I am very pleased that in these difficult economic times we have made our seniors a priority with this year’s state Formula Grant. The outstanding Saugus Council on Aging works hard and successfully to enhance the security, health, and quality of life for our senior citizens, and the exceptional programs at the Saugus Senior Center are a vital part of our community.”

Joanne Olsen, the Director of the Saugus Council on Aging stated, “We were notified by State Representative Mark Falzone’s office that we have received the Formula Grant for the amount of more than $41,000.00. We are very grateful and pleased to receive this award. This grant helps us take another step in continuing to provide necessary services for our senior population.”

Formula grants are calculated at $7.00 per elder based on the municipality’s age 60 and over population (2000 federal census), which is an increase of $0.50 per elder from last year. The money helps to fund services provided by Councils on Aging, such as senior center programs that focus on the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s senior citizens.