NEWPORT — Mary Butler, a former healthcare professional and 9-year resident of the Northeast Kingdom, has been named chair of the Newport Age Friendly Advisory Council.
A native of Vermont, Butler is passionate about quality of life and the needs and wants of people of all ages.
“The beautiful region of Newport and surrounding towns is so conducive to the mission and goals of the Age-Friendly work,” she stressed. “That, combined with the energy, commitment, and enthusiasm of dedicated volunteers can only enhance what we already have and can become.”
The Advisory Council was formed in 2014 and is made up of some 20 local government and community leaders from both the business and non-profit sectors.
Their work centers on the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.
The group recognizes the changing demographics of an aging population and focuses on safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options as well as access to key services and community engagement opportunities for all ages.
Newport absolutely has the perfect person to chair this committee! Mary Butler’s organizational skills and ability to energize and motivate people are superb. This sounds like such a great project! Every community should take on this mission. Good luck to all of you–it is impressive when local people take the initiative and use logic, planning, and common sense to improve the lives of others. Good luck!!