Over 20 years ago I became a member of the Frontier Senior Center which is now known as South County Senior Center. We would meet in the former American Legion building which is known as Building 1888. I did some research and found that the Frontier Senior Center was established in 1979. When the building was closed to us because it was deemed unhealthy for us to be in there due to mold, asbestos etc. we were put outside underneath a tent.
Outside we stayed, rain or shine, partaking in our events and programs. Cold weather was approaching. We were then relocated to the parish hall at Holy Family Church and there we remained until Covid passed. Now we moved once again to the former Sunderland bicycle shop on 22 Amherst Road, in Sunderland where we are currently.
All of our bigger events and programs are scattered throughout the towns of Deerfield, Sunderland, and Whately which can be confusing. One needs to check their newsletter as to where to go for a specific event/program.
I’ve toured the 112 Amherst Road building in Sunderland and I think it has great potential to meet the needs of a senior center. The building has been well maintained as well as the landscaping. There is ample parking for our bigger events and programs. Parking is not adequate where we are right now.
I look to the surrounding towns and Northampton put up a building for their senior population. Then go over the Coolidge Bridge to Hadley and they, too, constructed a new building for their seniors. Now head up north to Greenfield and that city also constructed a new building for their seniors. The town of Erving did likewise.
I feel it is time we seniors here should have a permanent place of our own. We have three
towns supporting and funding this senior center. I think we have waited long enough.
I enjoy going to the center and taking part in the events and programs offered. We’ve had some very interesting events and day trips. Our program coordinator once a month plans a field trip where he takes us to a very interesting place to tour. On the way home we always stop at a very nice restaurant for lunch. I sign up for just about all the events and programs offered. I like being involved with the center and volunteering. I like being with people, meeting up with friends and making new friends. Just a great place to be if you enjoy doing things and like being with people.
We’ve had numerous directors over the years but no one was able to get a movement going to find a bigger location but Jennifer Ferrara took this project on when she was hired. Let’s help her get us into this 112 Amherst Road building. Numerous surveys have been done over the past few years to find out what seniors wanted from their center and to find the right location for a senior center which could meet the needs of our seniors in the towns of
Deerfield, Sunderland, and Whately. The 112 Amherst Road Building has the potential to do just that.
Maryann Sadoski lives in Whately.