Courtesy Photo New Alcona County Commission on Aging Executive Director Denise Trelfa works at her desk earlier this week. Trelfa said she is excited to work with her new staff and the seniors in the county.

LINCOLN — After serving in the California Air National Guard and later working to help improve the lives of the youth in the same state, Hubbard Lake resident Denise Trelfa works to help seniors in Alcona County.

Trelfa was hired earlier this month to be the new executive director of the Alcona County Commission on Aging.

Meanwhile, a contract has been signed that will lead to the design for a new senior center and some senior housing in Lincoln.

The project was made possible because of a $12.5 million grant from the state.

Trelfa replaces former director Lenny Avery who was placed on unpaid administrative leave in January in a move that resulted in four of the ACCOA board members resigning.

In February, Avery accepted a job with Target Alpena to be its economic development coordinator. After being relieved of his duties, Avery said he was considering filing a civil rights complaint against ACCOA, as well as suing it for unlawful termination.

On Friday, Avery said he has yet to file either.

Trelfa said she was aware of the drama between Avery and some of the members of the board, but said that it is time to move on and focus on the needs and wants of the seniors.

She said the new job came at the perfect time in her life and she believes her past experiences can help the older people in the county.

“I don’t have time for drama and I know what happens when relationships deteriorate,” she said. “I want to build relationships and, most importantly, make sure the seniors in the county are cared for. That is what my goal is.”

Since taking the job, Trelfa said she has been busy building relationships with staff and seniors who visit the senior center. She said her point of emphasis to the employees is that it is a new start for everyone.

“I sat down and met with the leadership and let them know we’re going to do a reset,” Trelfa said. “I want to thank the staff and volunteers for the service they provided and for being dedicated through the turmoil. They did an awesome job.”

Board President LeRoy Perrin said ACCOA is lucky to have found Trelfa and he believes she will bring a breath of fresh air to operations.

We found a real goldmine when we got her,” Perrin said. “Oh my gosh, her resume and experience is outstanding and we’re excited to have her. We are really looking forward to being able to do great things with her.”

Trelfa said earlier this week, the senior center was able to host its first senior dinner, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said about 80 seniors signed up for the dinner and hopes another planned for next week is well received too.

Before the pandemic, the senior center in Alcona County had dinners five nights a week and Trelfa said returning to that schedule is a priority.