It’s party time: Senior center celebrates fifth anniversary
by Mark Jahne
Editor
It has been five years since senior citizens left the small, cramped space and its equally small and cramped kitchen for larger and brighter quarters.
A new wing built onto the north side of Town Hall was designed specifically to serve as a senior and community center. It is much larger with multiple rooms and lots of natural light.
It has a full-size commercial kitchen for the many themed luncheons that are offered to center members. Other features include a card room, pool room, meeting room, coffee bar and two exercise rooms.
A day-long celebration was held Oct. 5 to mark the fifth anniversary of the senior/community center’s opening. Mayor Allan Smith and former mayors Claudia Baio and Lisa Marotta attended and there were proclamations and praise all around.
Smith presented an official town proclamation and state Rep. Kerry Wood brought similar honors from the state legislature.
“I think this is the pride of Hartford County when it comes to senior/community centers,” Smith said.
He added that other towns are envious of the Rocky Hill facility. It’s new construction, not reuse of an old school, which is what many towns do for their older population.
“This was purpose built. We have a lot of community volunteers” who advocated for the new space and assist at its many events. “We have great participation by volunteers and the community,” Smith said.
He also praised Senior Services Director Gina Marino and her staff.
The party began with a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, potatoes and French toast and an inspirational talk by Bill DeMaio of Newington about overcoming adversity with a positive attitude.
DeMaio, who retired earlier this year as the superintendent of Newington Parks and Recreation, is blind. The morning program was sponsored by D’Esopo Funeral Chapel.
Noon brought Jukebox Bingo along with a pot roast luncheon sponsored by Autumn Lane Healthcare. The festivities wrapped up in the evening with mocktails and appetizers, a piano medley by Bruno Cerati and Howie Mason’s comedy show. Evening program sponsors were Buckingham Heights Memory Care and the law firm of Gordon, Muir & Foley.
“It’s incredible to witness five years of progress,” Marotta said. “It was a long time coming but well worth it. It’s an incredibly important part of our community.”
“This is an incredibly proud moment for the town of Rocky Hill. We have an amazing facility,” Baio said. “When I took over [as mayor] it was one of my primary issues.”
She pointed out that the senior community advocated for this for many years before a referendum was finally schedule to fund the project. Residents gave their approval at the ballot box.
Baio also said that referendum occurred while her predecessor, the late Joe Kochanek, was mayor.
Special honors were given to six people who led the effort to promote and support the referendum and remained active in seeing the construction project through to completion. They are Jeannine Anderson, Linda Cerati, Christa Mariner, Toni Palazzolo, Don Pitkin and Karen Plaza.
Senior center members spoke about the facility and how much they enjoy spending time there.
“I like the set-up here, the programs that they offer, the trips we take, making friends,” Elizabeth Romano said.
“I can’t say enough about this place. Definitely, the people and the friendships that you make and renew. The staff is wonderful,” Sandy Whitaker added. “The whole place is just wonderful.”
“I like the friendly atmosphere. You meet people of all different nationalities,” Daniela Spada said.
She also enjoys the weekly movies and exercise programs.
“I started a few months before we opened,” Marino, the senior services director, said. “It’s a dream come true. It’s a great facility. The people are great,” she added.
The Rocky Hill resident previously ran two senior centers in West Hartford. She pointed out that the town also offers a senior transportation program that provides rides for older adults to such things as shopping, medical appointments, senior center activities and more.
There is also a senior lunch program. Meals served during the month of October included meatloaf with gravy, baked ham with scalloped potatoes, stuffed peppers, baked Italian sausage, beef stroganoff over noodles, bourbon beef tips with mashed potatoes and garlic shrimp over pasta.
The senior center’s “Compass” newsletter lists a wide variety of programs activities, trips and more. They include ethnic-themed luncheons, evening concerts, picnics, dance parties, and a wide variety of educational and instructional programs such as art, belly dancing, chair yoga, chess and Italian language lessons.
The list goes on: guitar and ukelele lessons, history courses, pickleball, qigong and singing. Health services include blood pressure, reiki, foot care, hearing screening, walking club, massage, exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease and a support group for dementia caregivers. RHL
To learn more about the Rocky Hill Senior Center call 860-258-2786 or visit rockyhillct.myrec.com.