SOUTHWICK – Sen. Don Humason and Rep. Nick Boldyga presented a $5,500 check to the Southwick Council on Aging on Wednesday afternoon.
The check is the result of a grant program that Humason helped create in July for each of the 11 communities he serves. Once Humason had the item passed through the senate, he received support for that earmark from Boldyga on the House of Representatives side. After the item survived the final state budget, Humason notified the 11 council on aging’s that they would each be receiving at least $5,000.
Sen. Don Humason (far left), presents the check with Rep. Nick Boldyga, Southwick Board of Council on Aging Chairman Paula LeBlanc, Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan, and Select Board members Joe Deedy and Doug Moglin. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
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 in the towns and cities he represents.
Humason wanted to thank the senior citizens of Southwick for helping he and Boldyga make the grant program possible.
“You the taxpayers should be thanked because you paid your taxes to do this,” said Humason.
Boldyga is happy to always be working with Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan.
“We hear from her constantly about what you need (seniors),” said Boldyga. “We’re listening, we’re trying to do the best we can.”
Sullivan then informed the seniors and everyone in attendance that she’s planning on spending the $5,500 in funding for three sessions of exercise classes, fixing doors, and a new touchscreen for the senior center’s software program.
“This money is fantastic to use for that,” said Sullivan. “Southwick really supports our seniors and the state level does too.”
