Summer – that illusive season – is it really here? The members of the Herricks Leisure Club ponder this question as they recover from a wicked winter and a soggy spring. Fortunately, our club was a haven to support us through trying times while broadening our interests with activities, trips and camaraderie.
The highlight of our meeting on March 20 was the remembrance of 21 birthdays and the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day with a sumptuous array of Italian pastries. We welcomed a visit from Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth who rendered information on the Building Department and the Clean Sweep Program.
On March 27, a comprehensive financial report was offered by Treasurer Jo Arato. Jeanette Kovalsky, having returned from her Florida sojourn, resumed her duties as membership chairlady. Our guest, Project Independence Representative Claudia Poglianich, presented services available to seniors.
At our gathering of April 3, President Lillian Ciesluk announced that our Director Frances Kivatisky was chosen to be our honoree at the Senior Recognition Day Lunch. Guest Steven Burell, from Herricks High School, conferred an instructive demonstration on the use of a defibrillator.
On April 10, Vice President Jo Jozef filled in for our vacationing president and our session ensued in a party mode. The dais glowed in pink décor in honor of the approaching Passover and Easter holidays. We celebrated 10 birthdays and two anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of “yours truly” and my husband Frank. Helen Costigan, assistant superintendent for Business, addressed us concerning the budget vote, bond issue and veteran exemptions.
During the holiday recess, we ventured to the Poconos for an exciting visit to Mt. Airy Casino for a day of fun and games.
When we returned to meetings on April 24, congratulations were extended to Alice Lappin on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Legislative Chairlady Tess Fiorentino noted that our club boasts 18 active members who have reached and surpassed that venerable age. Mrs. Kivatisky alerted us to a phone scam perpetrated on seniors.
On April 28, our President led us on a most delightful trip to the Renault Winery for a savory wine infused luncheon followed by a jaunt to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City.
The focus of our May 1 get-together was guest speaker Maggie Hackett from Health First who dispersed data on managed long term care plans. We were then treated to a bagel repast procured by Mary Carotenuto and Lillian Giordano.
May 7 was the date of our excursion to the Empire Casino in Yonkers where we flirted with Lady Luck once again. The gaiety continued the next day when we celebrated Mother’s Day with a succulent catered pot roast feast.
A trip to Platzl Brauhaus in Pomona, NY on May 13 turned out to be an adventure. The Brauhaus, nestled in the Ramapo Mountains, offered outdoor amusement and a lobster fest – a most pleasant prelude to our ride home which, unfortunately, featured a bus breakdown. Although we waited two hours for a replacement coach, our group, led by our calm trip organizer Jeanette Kovalsky, took it in stride and ultimately was blessed with a safe journey home enhanced all the way by the glory of the setting sun.
Emphasis on celebration continued on May 15 when six birthdays and four anniversaries were commemorated with special mention of the 60th anniversary of Andrew and Carmela Criscuoli. President Ciesluk spoke of her difficult family situation in order to alert us to certain challenging life problems.
A fitting finale to our spring roster of events took center stage on May 21 when we honored our Director Francis Kivatisky at Senior Recognition Day. Harbor Links was the exquisite setting for this delectable luncheon and auspicious ceremony. Mrs. Kivatisky shared the special day with family members and her extended family – the Herricks Leisure Club.
It is evident, indeed, that our club has been a haven in trying times and an informative and entertaining support as we seek to capture the next illusive summer of our golden years.
