SOUTHWICK – Most days throughout the week are filled with breaths of fresh air for 81-year-old Anne Mountain. A resident of Southwick and a member of the Southwick Senior Center, Mountain goes to the senior center anywhere from two to four times a week.
Before Mountain even arrives at the senior center is where the breath of fresh air comes into play. Mountain walks well over a half-mile from her home to the senior center. Her walk consists of her trudging up the hill on College Highway and back down the hill with the Southwick Plaza on her right.
As Mountain has an eye impairment, she has been unable to drive for quite a few years now. But, it’s safe to say that the extra exercise doesn’t bother Mountain.
“I’ve been a walker all my life,” said Mountain. “It’s nothing new to me.”
Once the warm weather begins to flow through New England, Mountain says she loves walking the Southwick bike trail.
Anne Mountain, a regular at the Southwick Senior Center, enjoys her Thursday morning in the senior center dining hall. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
For the times walking to the senior center, it doesn’t matter what the weather brings, rain or snow, Mountain will be walking to her destination. Other options have of course been available to Mountain.
“They (senior center employees) keep asking me if I want to ride the bus,” said Mountain.
The senior center utilizes the FRTA (Franklin Regional Transit Authority), but Mountain respectfully declines. Once the town of Southwick had sidewalks down College Hwy, it has been a great benefit for Mountain.
“That has made it so much easier for me too,” said Mountain.
When Mountain finishes her walk to the senior center, and enters the building, it has been nothing short of a great experience.
“It’s nice when you have a destination,” said Mountain. “I love coming here (senior center).”
The walking and exercise continues for Mountain wherever she goes. Almost every year, Mountain goes down South to see her sister and remains active on her visit.
For now, Mountain has no plans any time soon of giving up walking to the senior center or any other destination nearby.
It is indeed a breath of fresh air for Mountain every time she walks, and the hope is that other people will be also be able to experience the feeling of that breath of fresh air.
“Hopefully (walking) it may inspire people to walk and do things that they didn’t think they could do,” said Mountain. “If I can help anybody else, I’d be happy.”
