Smiles, dancing and some much-needed socialization abounded as Dartmouth’s senior citizens drove through the Council on Aging’s parking lot to pick up lunch at its first outdoor “Grab and Go” event on May 15.

Normally, the COA hosts a monthly soup and sandwich event inside the senior center. But post-pandemic, such events had to stop. Now, as more seniors shelter in place to avoid the virus, the COA decided to do an event in which people could be out, yet socially distanced.

“For many seniors, this is one of the few times during this pandemic they have been able to go outside,” COA director Amy DiPietro said. 

During the event, seniors were able to pick up grab-and-go lunches prepared by the staff — but they received much more in return, as staff took advantage of sunshine and warm weather to greet seniors as they moved through the line, often checking in on how they were doing.

“What are you doing to keep busy?” Activities Coordinator Nancy Miller asked attendees.

Colleen Costa was just happy to be able to pick up a meal without having to leave her car, as she said she has problems walking.

“This was a real treat for me,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve been out since February 12th.”

Costa added she was going to enjoy her meal by the water.

According to Miller, the COA gave out 120 bagged lunches with soup, sandwich, chips and a cookie from local establishments like Cedar Dell and Duncan Hearing Healthcare. A roll of toilet paper was also provided.

“Where’s my lobster?” one attendee joked from her car.

This is not the first time the Council has provided meals to those in need during the pandemic. Workers from the COA and Dartmouth Community TV delivered nearly 200 hot meals per day to seniors through a Meals on Wheels partnership with Coastline Elderly Services throughout the coronavirus emergency.

The COA has also collaborated with DCTV to produce a series of video classes, including exercise courses for those with osteoporosis and Parkinsons and a tai chi lesson from martial arts expert Joe Rebelo. The videos help make sure seniors can have some sort of routine to follow while social distancing.

“We’re a real community here and we work hard to make it that way,” Miller said.

DiPietro added that the COA plans to continue the outdoor grab and go lunch program on a weekly basis. She said this would be done along with the school department as part of a vegetable distribution project, taking any leftovers for distribution the next day. 

“If we keep getting donations, we’re going to push it right out into the community,” DiPietro said.