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Date: 12/27/2023
SOUTHWICK — The next step in the “director shuffle” is going to be a sad one for Southwick seniors.
Cindy Sullivan, who has led the Senior Center in town for the past 10 years, is leaving at the end of the month to take a similar role at the Agawam Senior Center. That job opened because Michael Squindo, formerly executive director in Agawam, recently moved to the Westfield Senior Center to replace Tina Gorman, who opted to step away from the top job but will remain on staff as special projects coordinator.
Sullivan, a Westfield resident, is excited about the new opportunity in a larger town.
“It fits my career,” she said, adding that nearly three years ago she agreed to increase her responsibilities by serving as the director of the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“It was not in my plans and it has been challenging to say goodbye and that I’m not abandoning them,” she said.
She also spoke of her interim replacement, Cara Cartello.
“Cara is very capable and will do a fantastic job in the interim,” she said. Of course, she will miss all the friends she has made over the decade. “The people I have met here will always be near and dear to my heart.”
When asked to name her proudest achievement during her tenure, she didn’t hesitate: “Not closing during COVID. It was huge that we were able to do that.”
Though indoor gatherings were banned for a while, the Council on Aging continued to offer programs and meals in tents in the Town Hall parking lot. Sullivan also points to an increase in the amount of programs the Council on Aging offers as a point of pride.
On Dec. 13, the Senior Center hosted its annual Jingle Bell Jubilee and Sullivan was in her element. As more than a hundred of her clients enjoyed a lunch catered by Tucker’s Restaurant and served by the town’s department heads, Sullivan flitted around the room doting on the friends, all with warm smiles, she has made over the last 10 years.
“She’s been an amazing asset to our Senior Center, and will really be missed,” said Denise Hills McGarry, a Senior Center staff member. “We’ve done a lot in the past 10 years,” she said, adding that Agawam is “going to do very well by her.”
Her first day in her new job is Jan. 2, 2024. This will only be her second job working with seniors, as she spent the first 17 years of her career at the other end of the age range, as a case manager for foster children.