At The Senior Nutrition Center

Left: Jean Ruggles & Gladys Butler; Right: Gail Bimson, Aster Stein, Darci Strickland and Dorothy Malik

December 2020

by Patria Baradi Pacis

November & December Birthday Celebrants

Where did 2020 go? For many of us, it’s been a challenging year especially for those who have lost a loved one or are unable to visit with one. Still, in spite of the pandemic and the rules that we have to follow to try and stop it from spreading and the Center still temporarily closed, this reporter and the November babies such as Gladys Butler and Jean Ruggles and the December babies Gail Bimson, Aster Stein, Darci Strickland and Dorothy Malik are grateful to be living in Montauk with all its blessings.

…Blessings of having weekly, meals delivered by caring volunteers. Blessings of hearing birds sing out loud each morning. Blessings of taking walks on beautiful, white sands of our many beaches and witnessing a huge, whale do summersaults only a few hundred yards away or watching seals sunbathe at the rocks of Montauk Point. Blessings of watching two fawns, named Happy and Joy, come running to me at the sound of my voice with bread in my hand while their mom, Tinkerbelle cautiously watches nearby. These are just a few of the many blessings that Montauk offers.

It was good to see restaurants being able to open for take-outs and being able to eat outside in European style or cabaret style. Thankfully, the weather is cooperating and many vacationers are still coming out from the city to enjoy our town, thereby filling up many hotels. Praying that many will open up in the spring again and not go out of business.

Happy Birthday Gladys, Jean, Gail, Aster, Darci and Dorothy. May you have many more birthdays to come! See you next year.

For more info regarding what the Center has to offer, kindly contact, the newly elected Executive Director Therese Jarmain at 631-668-1023 or e-mail her at mtksencenter@gmail.com or call Director of Human Services Diane Patrizio at 631-329-6939, ext. 7201 or e-mail dpatrizio@ehamptonny.gov.

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Over 90’s Parade

Every year, the seniors of Montauk who have reached the age of 90 years and over, are honored with a special lunch with entertainment and gifts. This year, due to COVID-19 pandemic and the Center still temporarily closed, the Town decided to have a parade of cars to honor them.

On Monday, October 26, several cars including the town’s white van met at IGA’s parking lot that morning and paraded around Montauk with a banner on each side, which read, “East Hampton Town, Senior Nutrition Program, Celebrates Our ‘Over 90’ Members”, and proceeded to each celebrants’ home to hand each a plaque of appreciation and a small cake.

Board President Iris Mitchell, Executive Director Therese Jarmain, Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, Nonagenarian Edna Neuer and E.H. Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyok

Leading the parade was East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyok, Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, Director of Human Services Diane Patrizio, newly elected Montauk Senior Nutrition Center Executive Director Therese Jermain and Board President Iris Mitchell.

There were eleven awardees, Iris (Chicky) Aster (90), James (Buddy) Burke (91), Antonio Corvi (92), Mary Flowers (90), Vincent Grimes (92), Teresa Harrington (97), Edna Neuer (95), Jean Ruggles (92), Anna Shvedowsky (95), Evelyn Walles (94) and Detlev Zimmerman (94).

Knowing that my friend, Edna Neuer was being honored, this reporter made sure that my husband and I and our black lab Princess were with Edna and her daughter Evelyn to share in their excitement. With balloons in hand, we waited until we heard the cars honking and stop right in front of Edna’s driveway. It was an exciting fall day and all came out to greet Edna who was presented with the Proclamation which read:

“Whereas, on this day, we gather in celebration of Edna Neuer for having reached the age of 95: and

Whereas, the Montauk Community Senior Nutrition Center is committed to serving senior adults and assisting in maintaining their wellbeing, health and independence: and

Whereas, senior adults possess an invaluable knowledge, understanding and wisdom about the unique history of our community, spanning multiple generations. And it is this experience that connects us to our past and helps us meet the challenges of the present and the future; and

Whereas, our seniors are our beloved parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents, enriching our families with love and guidance, and whose passion for life inspires us all; therefore be it

Proclaimed, The Town of East Hampton hereby joins the entire community in extending its appreciation, gratitude, and heartfelt congratulations to

EDNA NEUER

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of East Hampton to be affixed this 21st day of October 2020.
signed Peter Van Scoyoc, Supervisor Town of East Hampton, New York

What a wonderful idea to honor the young at hearts! Since the seniors could not come to the Center, the Center came to them. Congratulations Nonagenarians! We are blessed to have you in our lives. These little acts of kindness is what makes Montauk so special.