Pennington replaces LeBlanc as AAA senior service coordinator

    Many in the area have known Erin LeBlanc as the local senior service coordinator and long-term care ombudsman for the past nine and a half years, but as LeBlanc prepares to move out of Holyoke, there’s a new face in town.
    As of July 17, Megan Pennington is the new senior service coordinator for Phillips County and the long-term care ombudsman for Phillips, Sedgwick and Logan counties through the Area Agency on Aging under the Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments.
    Despite the staff change, residents can rest assured that contact information remains the same. To reach Pennington, call 970-630-7714 or email mpenn@necalg.com. She can also be seen in her office on the ground floor of the Peerless Center. A calendar of her office hours will be posted out front once they are established.
    For those who haven’t worked with LeBlanc in the past, there are many services offered by AAA that may be helpful, including meal deliveries and meal sites, voucher programs, help with medical equipment, hearing aids, and dental and eye care.
    Of particular note, Pennington pointed out that she will begin SHIP counseling in October. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program can help seniors make sure they’re not paying more than they have to for health insurance by reviewing their Medicare Part D plans.
    Pennington is originally from Salida but moved to northeastern Colorado in 2008 since her husband, Aaron, is originally from New Raymer. They recently moved to Crook, where they will be ranching. The Penningtons have two children, Joslynn, 10, and Alaina, 6.
    Though she just recently assumed her new role, Pennington has worked for AAA for about a year as the long-term care ombudsman for Morgan County. In the past, she also worked as an assisted living administrator, an adult protective services caseworker and a stay-at-home mom.
    She’s still familiarizing herself with Holyoke but said she’s looking forward to getting to know the people in the community, increasing awareness of the programs offered and helping more people in need.