Beloved COA clerk retires after 22 years

Dale Rushworth, the principal clerk at the Canton Senior Center, is retiring tomorrow. She spent 22 years running the office at the Senior Center and handling the organization of transportation that allows seniors to enjoy an excursion or to pick up some groceries.

“I loved my job, I loved the people, I loved working with seniors,” Rushworth said recently.

Dale Rushworth (center) with COA Director Diane Tynan and outreach worker Robin Tobin

Rushworth was born at Norwood Hospital and grew up in Canton, where her family has lived for at least four generations. She graduated from Canton High School in 1972. She later married, and she and her husband, Joe, had three children. Rushworth stayed home to care for her kids, and as they grew older, she did keypunch work at night and then worked in a furniture store.

When she started working for the town of Canton, the Senior Center was located on the lower level of the Hemenway building at 660 Washington Street and many of the seniors who dropped in were World War II veterans. Rushworth started as a clerk, working 15 hours a week handling various responsibilities in the office. Over time, the Senior Center found a new home at 500 Pleasant Street and Baby Boomers became the new seniors.

In addition to senior citizens, the Council on Aging (COA) now works with a wider range of residents: people in need under the age of 60, the homeless, and people with disabilities. As needs changed, Rushworth’s hours and responsibilities changed as well. “It just evolved and grew over the years,” she said.

Rushworth took on the task of assigning bus drivers and organizing the bus schedule for the Senior Center. Transportation use increased from a single van to the four buses with five drivers presently in operation. Rushworth explained that while many seniors drive, once they stop, they still need help to get around.

“Families are busy,” she said. “It limits (seniors) when they can’t drive any more. They lose their sense of independence.”

Seniors sign up for rides to a variety of destinations. On Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, the buses travel to medical appointments. On Tuesdays they go to supermarkets and on Wednesdays they use the buses to take care of errands. “It’s a full transportation program,” Rushworth said.

She has also served as a vital point of communication with seniors. The buses travel to the home of a senior to pick them up. If the person does not come out to meet the bus, the bus driver contacts Rushworth, who calls the person. If there is still no response, she calls the person’s emergency contact.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced both senior citizens and the staff at the Senior Center to swiftly adapt to change. “Right now, with the virus, everyone is on Zoom,” Rushworth said. She noted that many of the seniors are comfortable using technology and take part in the online programs, talks and fitness classes offered by the COA.

Rushworth has worked with many people, including director Diane Tynan, Diane Brady, Peggy Cibotti, Linda Friel, Mary Lou Sullivan, Robin Tobin, and Shalini Mather. “I love the bus drivers,” she said. “Diane (Tynan) has a heart of gold. I really work with a great group of people. It’s been really joyful to work with them.”

In a letter that she posted on the COA Facebook page, Tynan wrote about Rushworth’s career, the impact she had on those around her, and how much she means to everyone. “Her loyalty and dedication to the Senior Center and those she served and worked alongside is truly admirable,” Tynan wrote. “Everyone who calls or comes into the Senior Center knows her voice and face. Her sense of humor made the most stressful days feel a lot better, such as letting me know that we can only use one square of toilet paper in the staff bathroom as we had a shortage.

“Dale and I have worked together for 22 years and have been through a lot, both professionally and personally. She is like family to me. I have watched her children grow up, get married, and have children of their own. Watching Dale and her husband, Joe, become grandparents has been so fun to watch!

“Dale, we love you very much and wish you much happiness as you begin the next chapter of your life. Please know you will be missed and that you are appreciated and loved by so many! You have made a positive impact spiritually, personally, and professionally in so many people’s lives and that is truly something to admire. Thank you for contributing the many years of service and adding a beautiful chapter to the Canton Senior Center. It’s been fun, Dale!”

“It was a hard decision,” Rushworth acknowledged. “I’m going to miss the people and the job. It’s a great place. Canton’s got a good senior center. I love Canton.”

In her retirement, Rushworth plans to spend more time with her family.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=68350

Posted by Mary Ann Price on Jul 3 2020. Filed under Features. Both comments and pings are currently closed.