SOUTHWICK – A building that is used for community events in town is in jeopardy of closing its doors. On Saturday at 1 p.m., members of Southwick Grange 46 will have a meeting about the future of the building. A vote will be made to determine whether the Southwick Grange stays open or closed.
Located on 580 College Hwy, the grange may not be a town building, but it’s a resource that several organizations in Southwick, like the 4-H and the Girl Scouts, have used for things like fundraisers as well as a meeting place. A non-profit organization, Southwick Grange 46 used to give out scholarships to graduating high school seniors every year. Bingo every Thursday night was also a continuous event at the building. The last bingo night was held on July 20.
Members of Southwick Grange 46 are voting on Saturday on whether to keep the grange open to the community. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
Butch LaBombard, who is a member of Southwick Grange 46, can’t begin to name all of the events that the grange has been used for.
“The list just goes on with the stuff that the grange does,” said LaBombard.
But, with members of the organization coming together on Saturday for a vote, there is a clear reason why the building is in jeopardy of shutting down; there is a decrease of members throughout the years.
Currently, the grange has 15 members and the short staff is making it much more difficult for the organization to stay afloat and be a consistent resource to the town.
“It’s a lot of work for so few people to do,” said LaBombard.
Although the fate of Southwick Grange 46 won’t be revealed until the vote is final on Saturday, LaBombard seems pretty decided on his own vote.
“I want to keep it going,” said LaBombard. “We’ve got to get some new members to sign up and help us out with things.”
According to LaBombard, it is $30 a year for a membership. The Westfield News will update this story once the members take a vote on the situation.
