Co-founder of the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association Alice “Putty” Willetts (seated, left) with senior leadership of the association, about 2019. Seated floor: Maria Mooney; behind her: Nancy Daniel; left to right: Putty Willetts, Christine Polito, Louise Coffin, Linton Stables, Gudrun Weinberg, Sue Dawes, and Sheila Bell
Co-founder of the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association Alice “Putty” Willetts (seated, left) with senior leadership of the association, about 2019. Seated floor: Maria Mooney; behind her: Nancy Daniel; left to right: Putty Willetts, Christine Polito, Louise Coffin, Linton Stables, Gudrun Weinberg, Sue Dawes, and Sheila Bell

History

Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association (SSCA) was co-founded in 1984 by long-time residents and prominent community leaders Alice "Putty" Willetts and Irma Zimmer. Under their leadership, the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association became a vital resource for seniors, providing support, engaging activities, and fostering a sense of connection among older residents in Swarthmore.

 

Alice “Putty” Willetts was a beloved Swarthmore figure, known for her dedication to education and community service. As a long-time gym teacher, she impacted generations of students, and outside the classroom, she broke barriers as the first woman to run for mayor and served on the Borough Council. Willetts also co-founded the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association (SSCA) with Irma Zimmer, helping seniors stay active and connected. Her warmth, leadership, and commitment to improving community life continue to influence Swarthmore through the ongoing work of SSCA.

Irma Zimmer was a key figure in Swarthmore, serving on the Borough Council for 10 years and co-founding the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association. As a history teacher at Swarthmore High School, she was a strict yet influential educator, leaving a lasting mark on her students. Her deep roots in the community, having lived on Ogden Avenue for nearly 90 years, and her dedication to seniors through SSCA continue to shape the quality of life for older adults in the area.

Mission Statement

To promote the well-being of seniors, as well as others in the community, by providing a welcoming environment for social interaction, learning opportunities, and exploring resources through a variety of activities and programs.
Rotary Service Award plaque 2021

Board Of Directors

Officers

Dan Snyder President

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Dan Snyder - He/Him

Dan has lived in Swarthmore since 1987. He and his wife Joan Neely raised her son Tom here. Dan graduated from Haverford College, earned a Masters in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, and worked at the Academy of Natural Sciences for 34 years, mostly as a research administrator. Since joining the SSCA, Dan helped develop, and now leads, the Walks and Trails program, provides Tech Help Desk services, co-leads Web Wandering, and currently serves as President.

Prior SSCA Positions: Vice President (2023)

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Jo Ellis Vice President/Newsletter Editor

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Jo Ellis - She/Her

Swarthmore resident since 2019, Jo Ellis moved from Atlanta to be closer to her daughter and family after retiring as a technical writer. Valuing being an active and contributing member of her community, she joined the SSCA Board in 2023, finding fellowship and friendship among the SSCA members. Serving as Vice President and newsletter editor, Jo endeavors to spread the word about the engaging programs and activities of the SSCA.

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Bill Scarborough Treasurer

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Bill Scarborough - Xe/Xem

Resident of Swarthmore for over 30 years.  Graduated from law school and was a practicing attorney for fifty years.

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Sheila Bell Secretary

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Sheila Bell - She/Her

I have lived in Swarthmore since 1976. I have a B.A.from Swarthmore College and a M.S. from University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. For most of my career I worked at Upper Darby School District, including as Reading Supervisor for the final twenty years.

I belong to two book clubs and enjoy reading a variety of genres. Much of my time is spent in volunteer work, including SSCA, Swarthmore Public Library, Art Goes to School, Scott Arboretum , Swarthmore United Methodist Church, and Heeding God's Call to End Gun Violence.

I enjoy being a part of SSCA's ongoing work to make our Swarthmore a wonderful place to live for seniors as well as the rest of the community.

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Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association

Directors

Mary Payne Director

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Mary Payne grew up in Iowa and Minnesota. After graduating from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, she spent 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Guatemala doing rural community development, followed by time at the Peace Corps training center in Puerto Rico. After moving to Philadelphia in 1969 Mary worked with poverty programs and developing senior centers in north Philadelphia. She earned a Masters degree in Social Administration (MSW) and in Business Administration(MBA) from Temple University. She was a licensed nursing home administrator, an assistant professor at TU, and a consultant at the TU Institute on Aging. She later started Payne and Associates, specializing in consulting with healthcare providers. She enjoys tennis and golf, serving on the SSCA board, and participating in activities at her church, Wallingford Presbyterian Church.

 
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Shirley Mitrovich Hospitality/Membership CHair

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Shirley Mitrovich - She/Her

My family lived in Swarthmore during my college years in Philadelphia, where I attended Moore College of Art. I spent my professional career in Art Education, teaching in public and private schools in the Philadelphia area. I continued my graduate education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and exhibited my textile and ceramic work locally. I also worked as an Art Consultant for two local art galleries. I have lived in Wallingford for 22 years, my husband Ed is an architect, and I have one daughter who lives in Philadelphia.

I became involved with SSCA after attending a Wellness Conference in Swarthmore soon after I retired from teaching. I am interested in welcoming seniors to share in our programs dedicated to enrichment and connection. I love gardening, my chickens, my adorable poodle puppy, art museums, travel, and great food!

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Judie Neale Director

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Judie Neale - She/Her

Judie grew up in West Chester, PA and has lived in Swarthmore for over 35 years.  She studied management in college, worked in TV news and then as a paralegal. However, Judie has devoted the majority of her working life to being an advocate for the elderly and disabled. She has worked as a geriatric care manager, as the founder and executive director of Senior Care Cooperative (SCC), and is a member of the American Society on Aging. Judie was one of the co-founders of the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association and has been a member since its founding.

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Council Of Advisors

Advisors are eminent members of the community who act as mentors to the Board and keepers of the flame.

Doug Bender

Eck Gerner

Gudmund Iversen

Maria Mooney

Christine Polito

Kay Rinko

G. Guy Smith

Ann Torregrossa

Committee Chairs

(Non-Board Members)

Carol Menke Planning & Zoning

Connecting SSCA to ongoing planning and zoning initiatives of Swarthmore Borough

 

Dotty Lee Sunshine Chair

Sends out cards, sometimes with flowers, expressing SSCA’s concern and emotional support for community members experiencing serious life challenges.

 

Administrator

Stephanie McDonough

Stephanie has lived and raised her children in this area for over twenty years. She earned a marketing degree at Penn State and an MBA at Widener and is active in the community. She is our part-time administrator who supports us in various ways, from office functions to programming and more. She is always happy to assist our members.

Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association

Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association Bylaws

Bylaws
Strategic Plan 2024

Annual Reports

 

Annual Meeting (3/26/2025)

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018