SOUTHWICK – Sen. Don Humason will be presenting a check to the Southwick Council on Aging next week due to funding he secured through the state budget.
Earlier this year, Humason created a grant program for the 11 senior centers within the communities he represents and put it through the annual legislative budget process. The program survived the cuts and was included in Gov. Charlie Baker’s state budget in July. Upon hearing, Humason notified the 11 council on aging’s that they would each be receiving $5,000.
Southwick Senior Center. (WNG File Photo)
While Humason noted that he’s never done this for senior centers in the past, it’s very similar to what he’s done for the public libraries.
“That’s a nice appropriation that can be used whether it’s a new program or a piece of equipment,” said Humason. “It’s also a bit of relief to the town.”
Southwick Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan pointed out that the $5,000 won’t be able to be used for personnel, it will go towards capital expenses or any needs the senior center may have.
“I’m trying to come up with some ideas for things that I’ve been putting off because we haven’t had the funding for it,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan noted that a few of the things that come to mind are fixing the doors to the center’s exercise room, upgrading the mirrors in the exercise room, and also purchasing a new touch screen computer software which is used to check senior center members into the building.
The Council on Aging Board will be having a meeting on Monday morning where the board members along with Sullivan, will discuss what the $5,000 could be used towards. The day and time that Humason will be presenting a check to the Southwick Council on Aging is still to be determined.
