A community potluck Oct. 1 offered a banquet of information about one of Hyattsville’s newest additions—the Aging In Place organization.

Some 30 people attended the feast, held at Magruder Park. HAP an organization devoted to helping residents 60 and older remain in their homes as they age.

A social event, the dinner introduced the community to the organization, which was started by a group of Hyattsville residents earlier this year. Lisa Walker, one of the organizers, explained the group’s goals and activities to those attending the event.

HAP is exploring the viability of a system, perhaps a network of volunteers, to help older citizens with simple home repairs, shoveling snow and transportation to doctors’ appointments.

Other communities around the nation have set up similar systems, known as “villages” or “naturally occurring retirement communities” (NORCs), as an alternative to tradition brick-and-mortar retirement facilities.

The group also plans other social events and educational programs on such topics as health or refitting a house for the needs of elderly residents.

Walker said that Hyattsville Aging in Place plans to work closely with a new senior services coordinator that the City of Hyattsville plans to hire. The coordinator will provide information to elderly residents and their caregivers and refer them to appropriate community services as needed.

The group meets the first Wednesday of every month at the City Hall. The next meeting to discuss the volunteer network and other senior issues is Oct 5.

Editor's Note: Thanks to Molly Parrish and Lisa Walker for this update.