SeniorCare is pleased to honor several community heroes at our 53rd Anniversary Celebration on September 17, 2025.
Patricia “Patsy” Valcour and Paul Valcour, Ipswich
Myra L. Herrick Outstanding Older American Award
Patsy Valcour is a long-time resident of Ipswich and was the Activities Coordinator at the Ipswich Council on Aging for 21 years until her retirement nine years ago. She offers a popular weekly exercise class at the Council on Aging and is very active in the community. Patsy volunteers at the Visitor’s Center and other efforts such as the Ipswich Refugee Program that contribute to community welfare.
Paul Valcour has a continuing active retirement as well. He was a volunteer driver for the COA van transporting elders to various activities and appointments. He is a TV host with ICAM and hosted Grumpy Old Men cooking videos and Council on Aging videos over the past decade.
Learn more about the Valcours at the Ipswich Local News.
Fred Cowan, Gloucester
Rosemary F. Kerry Community Service Award
Fred Cowan keeps himself busy with a variety of volunteer positions, including work at the Rose Baker Senior Center, the Gloucester Council on Aging, The Open Door, Sawyer Free Library, Board of Health, and a Suicide Prevention Line in Boston. In addition to giving his time, Fred provides financial support to many non-profits. Fred treats everyone with kindness, going above and beyond to help.
Learn more about Fred at this interview on 1623 Studios.
Barbara Sienkiewicz, Gloucester
SeniorCare Advisory Council Volunteer of the Year Award
When I close my eyes and think of the word “volunteer” Barb Sienkiewicz’s smiling face appears. I have known Barb since June of 2023 and she has volunteered to assist for the Matter of Balance and Savvy Caregiver evidence based programs. In this capacity, Barb has helped hundreds of older adults overcome their fear of falling and also helped caregivers work towards becoming more confident in their role of taking care of their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
Barb brings a passion to her volunteer work. During each workshop, you will always find Barb sitting with a participant and chatting about their challenges, sharing a story about her life or experience or just catching up and getting to someone. She genuinely cares and wants to make life easier for older adults in our community. She strives to make a connection with people and make a difference in their lives.
This community is so lucky to have Barb’s commitment and dedication. She laughs often and helps people find humor in life, which can be challenging for many of the participants we work with.
George Nickless, Manchester
Thomas Sullivan, MD, Beverly
Thomas Tanous, Wenham
Board of Directors Community Impact Award
It is with great honor and privilege that we congratulate our recently retired Board members Tom Sullivan, Tom Tanous and George Nickless. Their longstanding dedication, tireless efforts and support of SeniorCare and its staff and volunteers have helped to move the agency forward. In addition, they have contributed to their local communities by volunteering in various capacities.
Outgoing President Dr. Tom Sullivan of Beverly has served on the Board since 2012 and has been Board President for many years. Tom, a retired Cardiologist was a tremendous asset to the Board of Directors with his wealth of experience in the medical field.
Tom Tanous of Wenham has served on the Board since 2008 and was President of the Board for 16 years. Tom’s experience as an educator and serving in various capacities in town government proved fruitful for the Board and SeniorCare.
George Nickless of Manchester-by-the-Sea, also a past President, joined the Board of Directors in 2003. He is the longest tenured Board member in SeniorCare history. George’s experience in the insurance industry and teaching also benefited the Board over the years.
We applaud all three of these gentlemen and thank them for their contributions to SeniorCare for oh so many years. Their Board of Directors’ leadership will always be remembered and much appreciated by all.