Pepperell Selectmen Seek Report on Senior Center Cook's Abrupt Termination

PEPPERELL — August 19, 2013 — Pepperell selectmen demanded answers Monday after residents packed a Board of Selectmen meeting to protest the sudden firing of a senior center cook. Phil Derno, 9 Chestnut Street, told the board he spoke for many seniors who could not attend, saying lunch attendance had grown from two or three people to 45 to 65 under cook Verdell before her termination last Thursday by COA Director Marsha. Bill Daley, president of the Pepperell Seniors, said the firing came with no progressive discipline and that "when that woman is not there, everybody's happy" — referring to the director. Town Administrator John Moak clarified the board, as appointing authority, must ratify or reverse the action, and the board directed Moak to obtain a written explanation from the director before a possible special meeting ahead of the September 9 regular session. In other action, the board unanimously appointed Sharon Tatro as assistant collector and approved a contingent Class 2 used car dealer license for Harry's Motors LLC at 129 Main Street. Four people attended the senior center for lunch the day of the meeting.