At the age of 96, Paul Tremblay has finally fulfilled a lifelong dream – showing his collection of handcrafted model boats as an exhibited artist in a museum. A resident of the Heritage House senior living community in Newburyport, Tremblay has been designing and building intricate model boats since he was 17. His exhibit, entitled Lifelong Craft: The Model Boats of Paul Tremblay, was on display during the month of June at the Custom House Museum in Newburyport.
The idea for the exhibition came after AgeSpan Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) Ellie Zwart, who works to connect Heritage House residents with programs and services, encouraged Tremblay to hold a showcase for his neighbors. Tremblay loves being able to share his models with others, so over about a three-year period, Zwart held a couple of showcases in the community room at the complex. She also contacted various museums and news outlets, hoping to get more recognition for Tremblay and his work. She says seeing Tremblay’s talents and craftsmanship showcased in a museum was a full-circle moment.
“It was an emotional experience and so fulfilling to see Paul get that recognition for his work,” Zwart says. “The exhibit was really cool, and he was just beaming. He loves having the opportunity to share his models.”
Connection and Community
Tremblay’s story is just one of many examples of how Zwart brings creativity, connection, and community to the residents she serves. As an RSC, she plans a full calendar of engaging programs, from movie matinees and coffee hours to arts and crafts sessions and a monthly book club. She also partners with AgeSpan’s nutrition team for cooking demonstrations, coordinates financial workshops with Money Management volunteers, and invites outside providers to lead wellness classes such as Tai Chi and Yoga.
“The events provide opportunities for people to get out of their apartments and interact with each other or learn something new together,” Zwart says. “It’s really nice to be able to offer new things for people to try, or for residents to rediscover something they did in the past but haven’t done in years.”
Zwart has worked at AgeSpan for more than five years. She began as an options counselor, but three years ago transitioned into the RSC role to build deeper relationships with the residents she supports.
“I get to be with these people in the building that’s their home and I see them every single day,” she says.
She says a typical day involves lots of appointments and touchpoints with residents.
“I might help a resident submit a National Grid discount application. Then I’ll meet with someone else to talk about food pantry options or go over AgeSpan offerings,” she explains. “If they need a referral for Homecare, I can help them with that.”
Networking and Partnerships
Networking and partnerships are another big part of Zwart’s job as an RSC. Each summer, she partners with Nourishing the North Shore to offer a farm share program. This year it will be set up like a farmer’s market, so residents can come up to the community room and choose what they would like to take. During the school year, students from a local Montessori school come in to interact with the residents, dressing up as important figures in history or reciting limericks they have written.
“The teachers encourage the kids to practice their conversation skills with the residents,” Zwart says. “It’s super cute. There are always two or three students talking with each resident. Everyone is so happy. The residents love it.”
Thanks to a MassHousing grant, obtained through the combined efforts of WINNCompanies and AgeSpan, Zwart is also starting a new gardening program this year. Backyard Growers of Gloucester will be building handicapped accessible garden beds and coming back monthly to offer programming. Zwart says all of these options give residents a chance to connect with each other.
“I think my program helps build community,” she says. “It’s a great way for newer residents to get introduced to the building and the other people. People get to know their neighbors and form friend groups and routines.”
The Mission of AgeSpan
In her role as an RSC, Zwart is offering direct support that is perfectly aligned with the mission of AgeSpan.
“It’s great to have the RSCs out in the community, helping people maintain their independence,” she says. “Whether it’s connecting them with Homecare services or setting up food delivery or providing exercise classes to keep them mobile and strong, it’s great to be able to help people directly in their space where they need us.”
She says she’s proud to be a part of it.
“I’m just a product of AgeSpan,” Zwart says. “I’m able to do what I do in this building because the organization promotes and supports this type of work.”
