Fall at the Herricks Leisure Club

The Island Now

By Dorothy Daly

Fall – nature’s parade of magical hues –sunset gold, magenta and jade – a kaleidoscope that intrigues and invigorates the spirits of the members of the Herricks Leisure Club.

But, alas, as autumn must evolve into winter, we must also encounter the evolving stages of our lives. Sadly, I must share with you that my dear husband Frank passed away on October 9. After our blessed 63 years, I know that he is with God but he is also with me in spirit ‘til we meet again. I thank the multitude of members who attended his wake and Mass and it was most kind of Mayor and Mrs. Ehrbar to join us.

This experience is one reason our adult clubs are so important as they extend understanding and help as we learn to cope at difficult times. Our club gatherings and activities play a vital part along life’s path.

Our first meeting after the summer recess occurred on August 31 when our new President Lillian Ciesluk and Vice-President Frank Vendinello and the Board warmly welcomed us back. We were apprised of member illnesses by Corresponding Secretary Terry Lanese and received a substantive financial report from Treasurer Jim Kovalsky. Mrs. Kovalsky, our Membership Chairlady, introduced 2 new members.

At our Sept. 7 assembly, Director Hilda Escobar announced that flu shots would be administered. A dual celebration followed in which the 57th anniversary of Gregory and Connie Tan was honored as well as 10 birthdays in each of August and September. A special tribute was paid to Charles Gill on the occasion of his 98th birthday. An informative visit from our guest speaker Senator Elaine Phillips rounded out this productive afternoon.

Our fun-filled trips to Yonkers Casino resumed Sept. 13 squired by Rita Ruffini.

In observance of Rosh Hashanah, no meeting was held on the twenty-first but on a busy 28th Terry advised us of free telephone service for the hearing impaired, Legislative Chairlady Tess Fiorentino reported on computer scams, Hilda spoke on the basics of CPR and Lillian conferred data on the STOP program. Our guest, Stephen Nasta, candidate for Town Supervisor, and his wife briefed us on his qualifications for that position.

October entered the picture and on the fifth, a joyful remembrance of seven birthdays and three anniversaries including the special 60th of the Kovalskys took center stage.

Oct. 11 was the day for an exciting return trip to the Empire Casino. On Oct. 12 our guest, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, offered a most interesting discourse on Town affairs.

The highlight of the month took place on the nineteenth when we celebrated our Club’s anniversary at the Pompei Restaurant with outstanding food, music and witty repartee.

Another riveting event occurred on Oct. 26 when a “spooktacular” Halloween party ensued. Thank you Jeannette Kovalsky and your merry band of helpers for a truly delightful afternoon complete with raffles, prizes, costumes, delicious wraps and brownies, loot bags and scary fun.

Indeed, these gathering and activities help the members of the Herricks Leisure Club cope with and embrace each stage of our senior years. Together we can face the future.

Share this Article