The Swampscott for All Ages Committee is made up of dedicated community members, representing various disciplines and interests, who steer the work of the Age and Dementia Friendly initiatives. These members meet monthly to offer guidance and help promote efforts from all of Swampscott’s committees to ensure that we work toward a Swampscott for All Ages.
Mission statement
The Swampscott for All Ages Committee is dedicated to making Swampscott a more livable community for all residents to grow up and grow older together.
Vision statements
If the SfAA committee achieves its purpose, the community will have:
- safe, affordable, and well-designed housing that can be adapted as residents age and contributes to independence, security, and quality of life.
- affordable, accessible transportation that allows residents to freely travel around the town and region, promotes participation, helps maintain networks and supports equity of mobility.
- public spaces that are accessible, well-lit, and well-marked, with shade and places to sit that allow for comfort and independence.
- a wide network of medical and non-medical services that promote well-being and quality of life.
- paid and non-paid employment that builds social capital and generates income and/or purpose.
- activities and events that are affordable and held at convenient times and accessible by public transportation.
- a town in which older adults are included and consulted on community projects, planning initiatives, and all aspects of city life.
- an effective distribution of information about events, programs and opportunities.
Committee members
Michele Audet
Michele grew up in northern Vermont and New Hampshire. She came to Boston in 1986 to attend Boston University School of Social Work. She majored in Clinical Community Organization. She has worked in healthcare and non-profits in Boston. For the past 14 years, she worked in the financial sector as a Case Manager for long term care insurance.
Favorite ice cream: ‘the one that matches my shirt’
Favorite book: The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
Bucket list destination: Spain — France
Kevin Breen
Alyce Deveau – Co-Chair
Alyce has spent most of her working life in Swampscott. She was Library Director for over 20 years and worked at the library for a total of 33 years. She has spent a year working at Seaglass Village. Alyce spends time at home with her pets and visits from her grandchildren.
Favorite ice cream: Butter Pecan
Favorite book: Anne of Green Gables
Bucket list destination: Alaska
Marzie Galazka (Ex-Officio)
Patricia Hines
I have lived in Swampscott for approximately 40 years. My son’s name is on one of the monuments on Monument Avenue. I have worked with children for over 20 years.
Favorite book: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Bucket list destination: Iceland
Favorite Team: Boston Bruins
Joan McCormack
Joan has lived in Swampscott with her husband Jeff since 1998, raising their daughter and providing Audiology services at Atlantic Hearing Care, and the North Shore Hearing Foundation. She volunteers with many groups to enhance quality of life and support healthy aging.
Favorite book: The Wind in the Willows
Favorite activities: Travel and Pottery
My Happy Place: Squam Lake, New Hampshire
Jennifer Nisbet
Jenn grew up in Marblehead and moved to Swampscott soon after she got married. She is excited to be part of the committee and help with making sure communication efforts reach our seniors and all member of the community.
Favorite ice cream: S’mores
Favorite book: Water for Elephants
Favorite activities: Gardening, crafts
Robert Powell, Co-Chair
Bob Powell of Swampscott. Bob is a certified financial planner and journalist specializing in retirement and aging issues. He is currently the
chair of the Swampscott Council on Aging Board of Directors. He has been involved with many boards, including the Swampscott Retirement Board, Jewish Journal North, Swampscott Little League, and Lynn Youth Hockey. Bob lives in Swampscott with his wife, Amy. They have four children, including triplets.
William Quinn
Claire Regan, Secretary
A Massachusetts native, Claire moved to Swampscott to enjoy her retirement. Impressed with the community, she is motivated to enhance services and experiences for all Swampscott residents. Prior to retiring, Claire was a corporate affairs executive in the food industry.
Favorite ice cream: Mint chocolate chip
Bucket list destination: Japan
Favorite Team: Boston Celtics
Margaret Somer
Margaret worked for many years in economic development with a focus on small business. She thrives on building community through local organizations. She loves to work with her hands doing pottery and gardening, and dreams of a world without poverty, hate or war.
Sue Sussman
Sue was born in Marblehead, but after getting married to a Swampscott guy, settled here in Swampscott and raised her 2 children. A 42-year nursing career spanning all ages, she settled into caring for long-term care residents as a nurse practitioner.
Favorite ice cream: Mocha chip
Bucket list destination: Greece
Favorite Team: US WNT (Soccer)
Heidi Whear (Ex-Officio)