Friends in Service Here of South Windsor , better known as FISH , will be celebrating their 40 th anniversary on May 11 , 12 noon at Angelino’s in Vernon . FISH provides transportation for those who cannot drive themselves to medical appointments .

FISH began in Oxford , England , and came to America in 1964 to the Church of the Good Shepherd in West Springfield , Mass . In 1970 , a chapter in South Windsor was founded , under the sponsorship of the Community Service Council .

The non-profit has an average of 45 volunteers . Members who volunteer on a regular basis do so only one day a month , either as a driver or on telephone duty . Clients can call to leave an appointment request on an answering service , which a “ telephoner” then takes and arranges for a driver to respond to .

“ I love to drive , ” said Phylis Oswald , who has been a volunteer for 35 years. “ That’s how I started . ” She currently arranges appointments for drivers .

Her husband , Dale Oswald , is the treasurer for FISH . “ We receive no funding from anyone , ” he said . With no federal , state or local government assistance , FISH relies on voluntary donations from clients , churches , community service groups and businesses . They spend approximately $ 2 , 000 a yearon the answering service and insurance . The volunteers use their own cars and receive no compensation for gas or time . FISH provides an average of 435 rides a year.

June Cottle was on the original board in 1970 .

“ It was the pastor of St . Peter’s Episcopal Church who suggested to a group of women that they think about organizing a group in South Windsor , ” said Cottle . Seniors often did not have a way to get to their appointments , Cottle explains , because of the lack of public transportation .

There were other chapters in nearby towns , but because of difficulties , they did not last . Cottle thinks it is wonderful that South Windsor has continued for 40 years.

“ As far as I know , this is the only unit that has survived and has managed to keep going , ” said Cottle .

Cottle had to return to work after being on the board , but after retiring in 2008 , she returned to FISH .

“ It’s a wonderful way to spend a day a month ... It really is something that gives a value to yourlife and gives a value to someone else’s life , too !”

Oswald encourages all past volunteers to attend the luncheon and consider volunteering again , as Cottle did .

For more information , contact 860-647-3609 .