Southwick Council on Aging Discusses New Matinee Initiative and Record Class Attendance
- Meeting Overview:
The Southwick Council on Aging meeting on February 9th, 2026, focused on new initiatives, including a proposed matinee theater for seniors and a record attendance in exercise classes. Additional topics included an upcoming Valentine’s luncheon and potential improvements to existing programs.
A new idea to utilize underused space in the facility was discussed, with plans to create a matinee theater experience for seniors. The proposal includes installing a smart TV, surround sound, and comfortable seating to accommodate a small group of friends for movie viewings. This initiative aims to offer a social activity for seniors that could be funded through grants. The matinee would be scheduled on long days, such as Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, between 12:30 and 2:00 PM. The project intends to foster community engagement and provide entertainment for seniors in a familiar environment.
The meeting also highlighted the highest attendance yet for exercise classes, with 128 participants in one week. Chair yoga classes, in particular, were popular, necessitating the addition of more chairs to accommodate newcomers. Plans for expanding these offerings to the town beach in warmer months were also mentioned, with potential funding from grants to provide necessary equipment like yoga mats.
The Council on Aging is preparing for a Valentine’s Day luncheon featuring a performer who will combine music and storytelling with a Valentine’s Day theme. Additionally, a volunteer luncheon is in the works for May, to be held at a local venue called Roma, with discussions underway regarding menu options and pricing.
Efforts to introduce pickleball and volleyball as regular activities faced scheduling challenges. A volunteer driver from Meals on Wheels offered to provide tape for setting up pickleball courts, and discussions are ongoing to find suitable times for volleyball that accommodate more participants.
Karl J Stinehart
Elderly Affairs Board Officials:
Paula M Leblanc, Carol Laughlin, Carol Smith, Denise Hills-McGarry (Staff Member), Denise Seibert (Staff Member), Cara Cartello (Assistant Director of Senior and Recreational Operations), Harvey Hollm, Elaine Boucher, Harriet Fischer, Jack Nicholas Pocai, Donna Foisy, Theresa Rogers, Cindy Sullivan (Contact), Donna Charron, Roy Benson, Patricia Phillips, Nancy Bailey, Joan Plancon
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Meeting Type:
Elderly Affairs Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/09/2026
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Recording Published:
02/17/2026
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Duration:
13 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampden County
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Towns:
Southwick
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