Kochanski brings added beat to town culture

Date: 7/22/2010

July 21, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

SOUTHWICK -- A small town such as Southwick has a living culture unto its own, just ask those expanding the ranks and causes of the town's cultural council.

Following precedence set by fiscal year 2010 Chair Patricia McMahon, now the vice chair, the Southwick Cultural Council's (SCC) latest chair, Susan Kochanski, plans to keep in time with the rhythm, while adding a few beats of her own.

"We have a pretty strong art community. Our particular council is very strong and its [endeavors] are truly shared quite well," Kochanski said.

She explained her emphasis would be on continuing McMahon's initiatives including the recently established Southwick on Stage theater group, the BBQ-Chili Cook-off, the annual arts show and the renovation of the Town Hall auditorium and additional programming at the library and senior center.

"We'll have a shiny new home [next spring]," Kochanski said of the renovated auditorium for Southwick on Stage's productions. "What we're trying to do is have very family-affordable theater."

Southwick on Stage will bring "The Education of Angels" written by Matthew Carlin under the lights this weekend during the Southwick Days celebration. The theater troop will also be conducting auditions for "The Big Five-Oh" by Brian Mitchell July 27 and 28.

Kochanski said she plans to continue the SCC's membership and programming growth throughout the coming year in partnership with McMahon and fellow officers, Treasurer Diane Mason and Secretary Karen Deyo.

For additional information about SCC membership and programming, visit their Web site, www.southwickma.org/cultural. To learn more about Southwick on Stage, log onto http://southwick-on-stage.org.