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Date: 10/6/2021
SOUTHWICK — Joyce Bannish, president of the Friends of the Southwick Senior Center, is excited that after close to two years, members will once again meet and make plans.
The Friends group will gather Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center, in the basement of Town Hall at 454 College Highway, Southwick.
“Basically, our meeting is to get us all together and reorganize, since we haven’t had any meetings for almost two years,” said Bannish.
She said she was energized after more than 10 people signed up to join the Friends group during the Senior Center’s Welcome Back Day meet-and-greet program on Sept. 9.
While fundraising is always a top agenda item, Bannish said she will also share the benefits of being a member, as well as the ways that the group assists the senior center staff members throughout the year.
“We always fundraise and donate money for bingo prizes, as well as donate a basket for the open house,” said Bannish, noting the major annual fundraiser is a tag sale at the Town Hall. “We also apply for grants, and the most recent was receiving funds from Westfield Bank to purchase a fire hazard simulator.”
Bannish said the simulator was ordered in 2019, however, by the time of its arrival the COVID-19 pandemic had swept the region, and it only received its first use recently.
“The Fire Department demonstrated the simulator during the [Sept. 9] open house and it was really neat,” she said, adding the interactive safety education tool illustrates prevention techniques using props. “The simulator teaches the dangers of cooking fires among seniors and children, and we hope to use in the schools as well.”
Bannish, who has been a Friends member since 2015, said she most enjoys the friendships she has made over the years, as well as knowing that all funds raised assist the Senior Center.
“We have a wonderful Senior Center and Cindy Sullivan, our director, is just wonderful,” said Bannish.
The Oct. 20 meeting is open to the public, and anyone interested in joining the Friends group may complete an application following the gathering. The membership fee is $5 each year. Bannish is joined on the board by Carol Laughlin, secretary, and Maria Gallo, treasurer.
“We are always looking for new ideas and help,” said Bannish. “The group works to support the Southwick Senior Center by supplementing their budget, advocating for seniors, and supporting center policies and activities.”
Dawn Brown is one of the newest Friends members.
“My husband Arthur and I are retired and recently moved to Southwick,” said Brown. “I wanted to become involved in the community, and knew this was the perfect place to start. My husband is going right along with me.”
Bannish added that as a 501(c)3 organization, the group can accept donations and apply for grants.
“Please consider joining the Friends and volunteering to help with some of our events,” said Bannish, who can be reached at 569-3232 for more details.
“We welcome everyone,” she added.