Jan Troisi, left, and Sylvia Archer display their scarecrow at The Common in Hampton Falls, N.H.

Sylvia Archer and Jan Troisi are residents of The Meadows, an Avesta Housing development for older adults in Hampton Falls, N.H. They give back to the community as volunteer members of the Town of Hampton Falls Recreation Commission, a seven-person board that meets monthly to plan community events, including bowling nights, family-friendly outdoor festivals, and wreath-laying ceremonies on veterans’ graves as part of Wreaths Across America.

Every October, they help organize Scarecrow on the Common, a month-long display in the town common of scarecrows that are handmade by members of the community. They also spearhead activities sponsored by the rec commission at The Meadows, including paint nights, cribbage games, and chair yoga. 

“I like it because it’s fun, it’s interesting, and I get to meet a lot of new people while doing something for the community,” Sylvia said. “The entire town gets involved, and I really enjoy that.” 

Says Jan: “I enjoy the camaraderie. My husband and I have both worked and volunteered throughout our lives, and we didn’t want to move to The Meadows and just do nothing. Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we want to stop.”