Birthday Parade to Honor Former WATR Personality Jim Senich

SOUTHINGTON - Retired area newspaper and radio journalist James Senich will be honored with a caravan of family, friends and other well-wishers on Sunday to celebrate his 83rd birthday.

The “walk-thru” birthday parade will take place at Senich's residence at the Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave. The facility is located to the rear of the Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley Memorial Campus.

Anyone is welcome to participate, according to organizers Christopher Fortier and Diana Sheard, Senich's daughter, whose alter ego, Valentine the Clown, may make an appearance.

Senich, born and raised in Waterbury, began a career in the media more than 55 years ago as a newspaper sports reporter. He later entered the radio field, working through the years for stations in Bristol, Greenwich and Bridgeport, as well as WBRY, WWCO and WATR in Waterbury and WNTY in Southington. He retired from a post with the State of Connecticut several years ago.

Senich was named the first sports editor of the former Southington Observer shortly after its debut in December 1975. Five years later he was promoted to editor, overseeing production for nearly eight years. He is the longest-serving editor in the paper’s 45-year history.

Senich in 2017 was bestowed the Betty Kroher Humanitarian Spirit Award for his work as a journalist in championing young athletes and individuals and programs that nurtured a sense of community, according to Fortier, chairman of the award committee.

Participants, who are asked to arrive and park in the rear lot before 2 p.m., are encouraged to make decorative signs, carry balloons and wave American flags. Masks are required to be worn inside the facility.