Newmarket voters: please support senior programs
Jan. 27 — To the Editor:
On Saturday, Jan. 31, the agenda of the deliberative session in Newmarket will include a warrant article seeking to restore $10,403 for the Transportation Program of Lamprey Health Care. This program has been underwritten by the town for over 40 years. Residents in Newmarket who are over 60 years of age or who have a physical disability are eligible for this service, which transports residents to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping and other essential services. The transportation program allows many of our neighbors to remain active and independent in their own homes.
In 2013, 53 residents of Newmarket received 1,735 rides through the Senior Transportation program. The town contributed $6 per ride for this service. The average cost of a taxi ride for a Newmarket resident to a grocery store in Stratham is about $36; however, through this program they can receive this ride for a voluntary donation of $5. Riders that cannot afford the donation still receive access to the program. Thirty-four percent of the program’s funding comes from federal and state grants, foundation grants, program fundraising, rider donations contribute another 6 percent. Towns and cities provide 41 percent of the funds. Funding from the towns and cities is essential to demonstrate community support to the granting agencies. If this warrant article fails, Newmarket would be the only city or town served by the program that has rescinded its funding.
Newmarket should continue to support the Senior Transportation program because the riders who utilize this service are among our most vulnerable residents and are an important part of the fabric of our community. Please attend the deliberative session on Jan. 31 at 9 a.m. at the Newmarket Jr./Sr. High School to express your support for the program.
Audrey Ashton-Savage
Lamprey Health Care, President of the Board
Newmarket
Elizabeth Crepeau
Lamprey Health Care, Immediate Past President of the Board
Newmarket
Chris Drew
Lamprey Health Care, Past President of the Board
Newmarket
Raymond Goodwin III
Lamprey Health Care, Board Member
Newmarket