FRIENDS OF LYNNFIELD SENIOR CENTER President Pauline Finberg (center) cuts the ribbon for the grand reopening of the Senior Center Thrift Shop Boutique on Monday. The boutique serves as the Friends’ main source of fundraising for the Senior Center. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Just in time for the holiday shopping season!
The Friends of the Lynnfield Senior Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand reopening of the Senior Center Thrift Shop Boutique on Monday. A large crowd stood in line to check out the remodeled boutique and the merchandise inside.
Friends of the Lynnfield Senior Center President Pauline Finberg said the boutique was relocated from a small area in the center to a larger space down the hall that previously served as the exercise room.
“The older shop was so cramped and crowded,” said Finberg. “There were people bumping into each other. We couldn’t put out enough merchandise due to a lack of space. This new space exceeds my vision. I wanted a space that is large enough so people could come in and move around. It has become more of a boutique than a thrift shop.”
Finberg said the Friends of the Lynnfield Senior Center worked with retired Senior Center Director Linda Naccara and new Director Kelley Lesko in order to lay the groundwork for moving the boutique to its new larger space.
“It was because of Kelley and Linda that we were able to get this space,” said Finberg. “It took awhile, but it all came together.”
Finberg said the boutique serves as the Friends’ primary source of fundraising for the Senior Center.
“There is different merchandise such as china, jewelry, purses and scarves for sale,” said Finberg.
According to the Friends’ website, the Friends have used the funds the nonprofit organization has raised to purchase furnishings for the Senior Center, including hair salon equipment and computers for the computer lab. The Friends also subsidize the center’s daily meal program, sponsors the Volunteer Luncheon, and funds guest speakers and a variety of social events.
“We pay for all of the programming,” said Finberg.
Lesko said the Friends of the Lynnfield Senior Center have spent the last couple of months moving and organizing the larger space before the boutique reopened.
“It looks amazing,” said Lesko. “The Friends are a wonderful group of volunteers who are so dedicated. I am really excited about it. I am hoping this will generate a lot of funding for the Friends and for us. I am really excited.”
Friends of the Lynnfield Senior Center Treasurer Georgann Lieb said the newly expanded boutique is very impressive.
“It’s awesome,” said Lieb. “It is unbelievable.”
Friends of the Lynnfield Senior Center Secretary Josie Weaver agreed.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Weaver.
In addition to thanking Lesko and Naccara, Finberg thanked the Friends of the Lynnfield Senior Center’s board members that includes Lieb, Weaver, Vice President Patricia Gamgeni, Assistant Treasurer Debby Huard, and board members Venita Armstrong and Alexis Gilbo for diligently working on the boutique relocation project.
“They are wonderful,” said Finberg. “It took a lot to get this done.”
Finberg also thanked Carol Schelzi and Sue Cullen for decorating the renovated boutique.
“Our decorators are fabulous,” said Finberg.
Finberg also thanked Senior Center Trip Coordinator Cristina Corson, Senior Center Activities Coordinator Lisa Fanikos and Senior Center receptionist Janine Bennett for their help and assistance with the boutique relocation project. She noted that Senior Center custodian Lou Capuano also played a key role with the boutique relocation project that included moving a refrigerator into the new space as well as install shelves with volunteer Gene Gamgeni.
Additionally, Finberg thanked all of the volunteers who run the Senior Center Thrift Shop Boutique.
“They have donated day after day and month after month for this place,” said Finberg. “They have done an outstanding job. I also want to thank the substitutes for being willing to run in here at the last minute.”
Finberg also thanked all of the people who shop at the boutique.
“I want to thank all of the people who come in here,” said Finberg. “We are so thankful to have such a great and wonderful place. It’s because of all of you who support the shop and make it great.”
While the Senior Center is open for Lynnfield residents and area residents’ age 60 and older, Lesko said people of all ages can purchase items inside the boutique.
“I hope that members of the community come and shop too,” said Lesko. “It is not just for the Senior Center’s participants. We welcome everybody to come in.”
Lieb echoed Lesko’s sentiment.
“Everyone should come in,” said Lieb. “Everyone is welcome and we hope everyone will come.”
The Senior Center Thrift Shop Boutique is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Fanikos noted in a recent press release sent to the Villager that people can donate items to the boutique.