The Council on Aging recently took delivery of its new handicapped-accessible Ford van. It replaces "ol’ number three," the 1996 Dodge, which has given great service over the years but was ready for retirement.

The Ford (the new "number 7") is modern, more spacious and more comfortable and is built to provide years of safe and reliable service to CoA riders.

The major part of the funding for this vehicle came from an 80 percent state grant through the Executive Office of Transportation And Public Works.

The remaining 20 percent came from dedicated funding from the Friends of the Arlington Council On Aging and the Council on Aging’s Charles Sevoyan Charitable Trust.

The COA offers transportation to and from Senior Center programs and services at a cost of $1 for a one-way ride. Transportation to out-of-town medical appointments is also available on a limited basis and priced differently.

It is recognized more and more in public policy and among the medical community that effective transportation for senior citizens to and from medical appointments and around town, benefits the individual, the community, helps to contain hospitalizations and overall makes economic sense for communities.

The "Running With Friends" 5K race is being held to benefit the programs of the Arlington Council on Aging.  Funding for many programs like transportation and "Walk the Rink" must come from a variety of sources.  They are not on the Town Budget.  It's an ongoing process to keep them funded.

The race to help the CoA is on Sunday, Sept. 12, with a Start at 10 a.m. For details go to: www.FriendsArlingtonCOA.org.