Sarah Fontaine ’02, New Council on Aging Director

Downtown Adams Massachustts, showing the street and church

Sarah Fontaine ’02 has been appointed as the new Council on Aging Director in Adams, Massachusetts. Of all the applications for the position, Fontaine stood out from the rest, according to town administrator Jay Green. Green said that Fontaine was the best choice for the job because she excels in knowledge of elder services, communication, and management.

In the past, she worked for the Dalton Council on Aging, serving as administrative assistant and acting director.

"I am confident that Sarah will add tremendous value to our Council on Aging team and become an invaluable resource for members of our community," said Chairman John Duval in a letter to the board endorsing Fontaine. "And is prepared to manage the departments execute the vision the town has for our Council on Aging in senior centers and tackle any challenges that may lie ahead."

Fontaine recently attended a grant writing course as part of Berkshire Community College's Workforce Development program. She believes the experience will help her in her new role. She is also excited about the council's upcoming move to the former Memorial School building.

"I'm really looking forward to helping design a dedicated space for the Council on Aging," she said. "It is a staff of three full-time workers, the director, the outreach worker, the administrative assistant, part-time van drivers. And then, we rely heavily on volunteers. So, it's kind of all-hands-on-deck when you have a small department like that."

Fontaine graduated from Westfield State with a bachelor's degree in sociology and social work in 2002 and is a licensed social worker.