by Patria Baradi Pacis
One great thing about being a retired senior is that whether one gains an hour of sleep in the fall, or loses an hour of sleep in the spring, is that it’s not as big a deal as when one is young and employed. Most of the time, the only way that I’m sure that it’s a weekday, is because the Senior Center is open for lunch on Mondays through Fridays, so if I’m not going to the Center, then it must be a weekend.
When my husband and I chose Montauk as our permanent residence after retiring, we found ourselves busier than ever doing all the things we didn’t have time to do while working. We were blessed to be able to go fishing, golfing or skiing anytime we wanted to or being able to take trips to Florida for a month with our German shepherd Benji in our Benjimobile (motorhome) or with our adopted, black lab from Kauai, Princess Penguin. I took odd jobs such as modeling at the Art Depot, or being an extra in a movie called “The Interpreter” with Academy Award winners, director Jackson Pollack (his last film before he passed), Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman. But the job I enjoyed most, was being a tour guide at the Montauk Point Lighthouse. At first, I was hesitant in accepting it because the work days were Sundays and Mondays.
Having worked on weekends for thirty years at Delta Airlines as a passenger agent, the last thing I wanted to do was to work on weekends. However, the more I thought about it, having five days off the rest of the week was not too bad. The only request I made to the then Manager Trish, was to be off on Mother’s Day while my Mother, then 95 years young was still active. Mom lived to be 102 years old.
At the Senior Nutrition Center, Executive Director, Anya and her volunteers, were busy redecorating the lunch, exercise and office rooms. Volunteers helped take the television and pictures off the walls.
Brightly yellow colored walls were repainted with a more soothing-to-the eyes, baby blue and light green. Paintings were replaced with a more calming effect of views of the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and several stages of erosions of the Montauk Lighthouse. Excess furniture was donated and book shelves were put up to make more room for the many activities that the Center offers. The holiday tree that’s now kept year round, is now full of St. Patrick’s decor, proudly hand made by the seniors.
February birthday babies were Bruce Snipas and Richard Sexauer. Ricky made a wish on his chocolate cupcake and shared the rest with his peers. Soon the snowbirds from Florida and warmer cities will be returning back to Montauk and the town will be hustling and bustling, the birds will be singing and the daffodils and tulips will be in full bloom. We’re so blessed to live in Montauk. Have a Happy Spring!
The Center is open Monday through Friday from 10am – 2pm. Seniors 60 years and over will be served a delicious and well balanced meal for $3, prepared by our Chef Don, Assistant Chef Kaleb and served by hard working volunteers. One can bring a guest or aide for lunch. Please call 631.668.1023 or e-mail mtksenctr@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram under mtkseniorcenter. For transportation, kindly call 631.324.4443 at least 72 hours in advance.
Activities for the young at heart:
- Tuesdays 1-2pm: Healing Circle and Talk on Nutrition with Margaret
- Wednesdays 11am-12pm: Meditation with Lydia
- Wednesdays 1-2pm: Mahjong
- Thursdays 1-2pm: BINGO! Cards are 2 for 75¢, 4 for $1.50 or 6 for $2. (Players must have lunch at the Center)
- Fridays 1-2pm: Mexican Dominoes
- Scrabble, playing cards, puzzles, books and magazines are always available.
