ADAMS, Mass. — The Millhouses of Adams has been recognizing its eldest residents for more than three decades with the presentation of silver canes. 

 

Wingate Companies, the operator of the affordable housing facility, held its 35th annual Silver Cane Award Ceremony on May 22. The ceremony is celebrated every May in conjunction with Older Americans Month and honors residents who are 80 years and older. 

 

The 2025 recipient is Evelyn Degen, 92, and the junior recipient is Lucia Socha, also 92. 

 

Senior Property Manager Danielle Senecal, Assistant Property Manager Jennifer Rose, Maintenance Supervisor Jody Goff, and maintenance technician Greg Alexander Sr. presented flowers to all that attended. 

 

The decorated silver cane was presented to Degen as her proud daughter, Martha Labbee, looked on. The luncheon was catered by Boston Sea Foods and balloon making was provided by Millhouses of Adams very own Walter Timoney.

 

The first silver cane was presented in 1989 to Emma Levesque as the Millhouse Senior Association Award. Levesque, born in 1899, won the cane each year to 1997, when she was 98.