by Patria Baradi Pacis
Some say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” This is true at the Montauk Senior Nutrition Center. Located inside the Playhouse at 240 Edgemere Street, there’s a bright, yellow, cheerful room that welcomes those 60 and over seniors of Montauk, their caregivers and guests. Executive Director Anna Ostroff from Ukraine, also lovingly called, Anya is like a breath of fresh air that brings a lot of joy to the group.
The happy atmosphere at the Center during lunch is further enhanced by music playing such as Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” or Doris Day’s “Que Será, Será” and upbeat music provided by our regular attendee Ricky. How does one top that? By the presence of local talents who live in Montauk. Singer and guitarist Lori Hubbard, pianist, organist Lydia Shaternik and pianist and entertainer Cliff Muoio, husband of volunteer Donna come regularly. By the end of lunch, one can hear even the shy and quiet ones partake in the songs and lyrics provided in large print by our Anya.
October birthdays with celebrants Ann Peterson, Edna Steck and Jeanette Kaiser were observed by having a huge, strawberry cake to share with their neighbors. Before lunch, Anya had seniors drawing their own designs on pumpkin, shaped cardboards which were later placed on the Center’s walls for all to see. Halloween was observed by seniors dressed as a witch carrying a broom, Big Foot, a cat and a Zulu warrior.
November babies were Judith Darenberg, Executive Director Anya Ostroff, Maria Davis and Gladys Butler. After lunch, a sheet of Mocca flavored cake was brought out to honor the celebrants.
For Thanksgiving, we had soup made of squash and apple sauce, moist turkey breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing and green beans casserole. For dessert, a choice of apple or pumpkin pie with whipped cream, tea and coffee. This year, pastries generously donated by the Montauk Bake Shoppe, bagels from Goldberg’s, vegetables from the Farmer’s Market and meals from Gurney’s Inn, were much appreciated.
For Christmas and Holiday celebrations, Anya had the seniors stringing popcorn and crocheting red Santas to decorate the main lobby tree and the center’s two large trees donated by White’s Department Store that was recently closed.
Gratefully, East Hampton Town is providing transportation to and from CVS in East Hampton, to pick up prescriptions or to have them delivered to seniors’ homes if unable to travel. Town staff will also do grocery shopping, assist in unpacking and provide a companion for the seniors in going shopping if needed. For more info, call Senior Transportation Supervisor Kristina Schultz at least 72 hours in advance at 631 324 4443 from Monday to Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM
Please join this lively group from Monday to Friday. The Center is open from 10:00am to 2:00pm. For only $3.00, you’ll be served by hardworking volunteers on real china and silverware, a well-balanced and a delicious meal cooked by our Chef Don Mendelson and his Assistant Kaleb Fisher. Don’t forget the scrumptious out-of-this-world desserts sometimes baked in our newly, purchased oven, by our own Anna.
If you want to socialize and keep your mind active, the Center has plenty of activities:
- Mondays 12:45-1:30pm Meditation with Lydia
- Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm Healing Circle with Margaret
- Wednesdays 1:00-2:00pm Mahjong
- Thursdays 1:00-2:00pm Bingo…must have lunch
- Fridays 11:00-11:45am Chair Palates with Jessica
- 1:00-2:00pm Mexican Dominoes
Scrabble, Playing Cards, Puzzles, Books and Magazines are available.
Kindly phone 631 668 1023 or e-mail mtksenctr@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance. If you have a special diet, the Center will try its best to serve your needs. At the present time, transportation is provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Hope you’ll have a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday and a Healthy New Year! There’s so much to be grateful for living in Montauk.
