TOWNSEND
Annual Christmas party is on the way
By Karen Mann Journal Correspondent

Every year the party gets a little bigger at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

The party has been going on for about 30 years and it is for all of the seniors in Townsend … it is the Townsend Senior Christmas Party.

Jennie Funaiole, a member of St. John’s parish, said when the party started it was just a small get together.

“They thought the elderly were not given much and thought they deserved something,” said Funiole.

The party has grown over the years. It started with offering juice and cookies, and a wooden ornament to the seniors, to now having sandwiches and buying presents for them, she said.

The party has been an annual event since the 1970’s. Funaiole has been helping the couple that started the party for over 30 years.

This year, there will be a visit from Santa, who will be passing out a present to each person.

Selectman Maureen Denig, who is in charge of this year’s party, said they give out gifts from fleece blankets, to umbrellas, to scented drawer paper.

“I like to get something practical, something I would want in my own house,” said Denig.

Funaiole said she has made an afghan that is raffled off during the party, as well as centerpieces, which are also raffled.

St. John’s provides food and drinks as well as musical entertainment — St. John’s Folk Group.

There is also transportation provided to anyone who needs it.

Last year, the party was moved to the Townsend Congregational Church because of a scheduling conflict at St. John’s. Denig said the seniors did not mind moving the location of the party, and the facility at the Congregational Church is a lot larger.

Funaiole said all of the churches in town work together to put on the party.

“It is a good opportunity for adult children to bring their parents who have just moved into town and want them to get hooked up with friends,” said Funaiole.

The party is open to any senior in town.

“They love the party,” said Funaiole. “They look forward to it.”

The Senior Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those interested can sign up at the Townsend Senior Center or Atwood Acres.

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Karen Mann is a 2006 graduate of Emerson College, in Boston, where she studied journalism. She resides in Townsend.