Tina Gorman, Director, Westfield Council On Aging
Westfield boasts a close-knit and supportive Spanish American community. That was apparent to Council On Aging staff members who were invited to participate in the Westfield Spanish American Association’s (WSAA) Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony in November. The annual celebration of the Hispanic heritage included recognition of individual successes within the local Latino community, upbeat and inspiring music and dancing, as well as an abundance of flavorful foods.
A first step to providing services for older adults within the Spanish American community is for staff at the Council On Aging to gain an understanding of Latino culture, language, and history. At the same time, educating members of the Latino community about elder issues and local resources will help to facilitate the ultimate goal of blending the missions of our two distinct organizations. The Westfield Spanish American Association seeks to build a stronger Latino community through cultural enrichment, social justice, political engagement, and encouraging higher education. The mission of the Westfield Council On Aging is to maximize the independence of older adults by providing services and programs that facilitate self-reliance, enhance socialization, and promote all aspects of healthy, valued, and creative aging.
Collaboration of these organizations has resulted in two exciting initial partnerships. In order to resolve a language barrier, the first involves specialized volunteer recruitment. The Westfield Council On Aging “Companionship Program” is seeking Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist homebound elders in Westfield who speak limited English with grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, and/or friendly visiting. The goal of the Volunteer Companionship Program is to help older adults maintain their independence and sense of well being. It takes only two hours per week and a small stipend is awarded. There is no charge to seniors for the service which is funded by the Westfield Community Development Block Grant program, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Highland Valley Elder Services, Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly, and private donations.
The Senior Center will throw open its doors for the second initiative with upbeat music, dancing, and rhythm for anyone wishing to learn Salsa. A cultural dance from Puerto Rico, Salsa will be offered on Thursday evenings, beginning in February. Singles, couples, younger, older, novice dancers, or more experienced dancers are all welcome. The six-week session will begin on Thursday, February 7. A beginner class will run from 6:30 to 7:30 followed by an intermediate class from 7:40 to 8:40 p.m. The cost is $48 per person for each six-week session or $80 for those wishing to participate in all twelve classes. No partners are needed. Walk-in or one-time class participation is $10. Advanced registration and payment is required for the six-week session. Participants can meet the instructor, Otilia Arroyo, who will be at the Senior Center on Tuesday, February 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to accept registrations and payment. In addition, registration forms are available via e-mail or fax, and payments may be made using PayPal. Write to [email protected], call 866-825-8816, or fax 866-250-8143. Parking for the Senior Center, 40 Main Street, is available in the Stop & Shop lot or in the municipal lot behind the Bank of America.
Embracing diversity begins with understanding each other. Volunteering to assist homebound Spanish-speaking elders and learning to Salsa may seem worlds apart, but in fact, these activitieshelp to fulfill the missions of both the Westfield Spanish American Association as well as the Westfield Council On Aging.
