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By Bob Weaver
"Every day has been an education," said Mike Ritchie, Director of the
Calhoun County Committee on Aging, commenting on his first year as head
of the local senior citizens center. Ritchie said he has really enjoyed serving
the seniors.
Ritchie completes first year
Representatives from the Bureau of Senior Services said "Mike Ritchie has in
the past year taken a program on the verge of closing and made it one of the
most active senior programs in West Virginia....Services and programs have
increased dramatically under his leadership."
"I get paid twice. My paycheck, and then the nice things the seniors and the
public say about our efforts," he said. "Brenda McBride has brought great
energy and organization to the center and our dedicated staff have made it a
great year."
Ritchie took the post at a much reduced salary than his predecessor, saying
"This is something I have always wanted to do." The vitality of the center
speaks well for Ritchie, McBride and their associates.
The utilization of the center is up nearly 500%, mostly due to the expansion
of the nutrition program and dozens of new activities offered to the seniors.
"Forty seniors are going on our DC trip," said Ritchie. CCCOA staff members
make 100 personal care calls in the community each week, mostly to seniors
who need special support services.
The new nutrition program at Minnora is now serving about forty seniors.
"The response to has been great," said Ritchie.
With the Senior Center being the busiest place around, Ritchie is not content
resting on last years success. "I have some new projects on the board to
help our seniors and visions of several others," he concluded.
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