My name is Joan B. Noble, and I am 85 years old. I was born and have lived in Lynn my entire life. At the age of 6, I was stricken with Infantile Paralysis, also known as Poliomyelitis (Polio), leaving me totally paralyzed. I share this information with you in order to give you some insight into the many, many battles I have fought over the last 79 years.
Prior to the passing of my husband, Guy in 2007 both of us were very active in our community. I was the director of religious education, my husband and I were catechists, I spearheaded and formed the faith community of St. Michael the Archangel when the archdiocese threatened the closing of our church we were able to prevail for 12 years. We volunteered with our children’s sports, and our passion is and always has been our country’s service men and women since 1961. After losing Guy, I still remained active with the veterans serving as the National President of the Polish Legion of the American Veterans Auxiliary (PLAVA) and now as President of PLAVA Chapter 56.
Over the years we hosted pizza parties for service members at the VA hospital, organized fundraisers, and I volunteered at the Lynn VA clinic.
For 10 years, I have served as President of the “Friends of the Lynn COA” in this role I was introduced to the Mass Senior Action Council. I now serve on the MSAC North Shore Chapter Board.
I appreciate the members of MSAC, and their commitment to making positive change. Times are much different, and it can be difficult to find people who are willing to give their time to non-profit organizations. MSAC does not have that problem. Members pitch in especially when the issue heats up.
I watched first hand how MSAC members forced elected leaders to pay attention to the Lynn senior center after being ignored for decades. Now we meet in a beautiful space where needed services and social activity can be offered to the area seniors.
Now we are standing together to stop the closing of the Lynn Veterans Clinic. We found out in late March, the Veteran Affairs is recommending closing veterans clinics across the country; so we met as a group and decided to organize against this devastating plan.
15 years ago, the VA proposed Lynn VA. At that time, I had my husband and many other veterans to fight, and we were successful in stopping the plan to close. Now my husband and many other veterans are not here to fight; so I am so glad I have Mass Senior Action Council to stand with me. I know MSAC will fight with me and for the 2300 veterans and their families who depend on the care at the Lynn clinic.
It seems seniors face new cuts and budget challenges each day. I have witnessed the difference fighting those cuts together can make. I encourage all of you to join the Mass Senior Action Council. If you would like to join us in stopping the VA closing contact MSAC: info@ MassSeniorAction.org or 781-864-2596.