by Patria Baradi Pacis
March celebrants, Nilson Novoa, Frances Carroll and Eugene Beckwith and April celebrants, Myrna Syvertsen, Therese Jermain, Mary and Mike Delligatti were not able to celebrate their birthdays at the Senior Nutrition Center ever since it closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 or Corona Virus Pandemic that has sadly affected our entire planet.
Still, this reporter would like to wish them a Happy Birthday and hope that their loved ones were with them at home or at least six feet away or were given virtual hugs and kisses through FaceTime. I admire a high school teenager on T.V. advising her peers to treasure the time by enjoying their parents one last time before leaving for College or by using the time to learn another language instead of being a couch potato.
Phone calls from loved ones always perk me up. It’s even nicer when receiving a handmade greeting card made by the little ones to show they are thinking of you. The saying “The best things in life are free: love, kisses and hugs!” OR the saying,“ If you have your health, you’ve got everything” is so true. I have a plaque in my bathroom which says, “Family is Everything.”
As I write this article, New York, the hardest state hit by the virus, is still on self quarantine and wearing of masks when going to grocery stores, banks or post offices and other public places is mandatory. Hopefully, our Montauk churches, restaurants, schools, gyms and other businesses will soon open including the Center so that the seniors can resume their weekly activities of eating delicious, well balanced meals, playing bingo, cards, dominoes, meditating, and attending their chair yoga exercises and wellness classes.
Don’t forget to exercise and THINK POSITIVELY! In won’t be long before we can sunbathe on the beach, bring coolers, chairs and umbrellas again. Happy Birthday to the March and April celebrants. My heart goes out to those who have lost a loved one as I have. We will get through this together.
If you are 60 years old and over and you need transportation to and from your doctor or need free senior meals delivered to you, kindly contact the Diane Patrizio, Director of the Department of Human Services in East Hampton at 631 329 6939 from Monday through Friday. She and her staff will be happy to answer any concerns you may have.
