Smithtown’s Senior Center will resume full scale operations, including meal services, this coming Monday, June 28, 2021.
“It is an honor to officially welcome back our residents to the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, as the Town of announce the full reopening of the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center.
“This opening could not be possible without Laura Greif, and the dedicated, compassionate team at the Senior Center,” he added. “I am truly grateful for this day and look forward to seeing many smiling faces enjoying all the center has to offer.”
Registration is on the rise, with 22 new members signed up just this week. People are eager to safely socialize and gather again.
In-person programming began last month, with the partial reopening focused on center clubs and activities. Rigorous cleaning and safety precautions were also implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing of the membership.
“This could not be possible without Laura Greif, and the dedicated, compassionate team at the Senior Center… Registration is on the rise, with 22 new members signed up just this week. People are eager to safely socialize and gather again. I am truly grateful for this day and look forward to seeing many smiling faces enjoying all the center has to offer,” said the Supervisor.
Welcome Back Activities
A welcome back Karaoke party is scheduled for June 30, followed soon thereafter by the Annual July 4 Celebration — which is set for Friday, July 2.
Senior Center Program favorites including Zumba, quilting, gardening, and strength training are all featured on the monthly calendar. The various Clubs have also begun to conduct their bi-weekly meetings. In addition, Center members will soon be able to take advantage of outings and trips which the Senior Center staff is currently in the process of planning.
Coffee & Bagels and lunch services will be offered effective Monday, June 28. The pool room is currently open.
Working Through COVID
Although in March of 2020 the Senior Citizens Center was required at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic to close its doors to the public under New York State Executive Order, much work continued.
Supervisor Wehrheim worked closely with Senior Center Director Laura Greif and her team to arrange for weekly meal delivery for residents who relied on the meal programs. Under Greif’s leadership, the Senior Center staff worked diligently to set up a number of services and programs to assist the most vulnerable of Smithtown’s population as each resident was forced to shelter in place. Harris Friedman and the Transportation Unit worked to drive senior residents to grocery stores, and doctor appointments/well-being visits. Patty Bornhoft maintained the edible garden last summer, and delivered the weekly harvest of vegetables, fruit and herbs to the Garden Club members. In addition to checking in on the membership, regularly, Victoria Rice made over 400 face masks for distribution. Home Repair crews focused on facilitating outdoor projects, and minor exterior home maintenance. Director Greif began daily ZOOM meetings to connect with the membership on a more personal basis.
In January of 2021, a massive coordinated effort began between the Supervisor’s Office, New York State, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, and the Senior Center to arrange vaccine appointments for senior citizens in the community.
Later in the Spring, the Town of Smithtown conducted two vaccination sites — in Kings Park and at the Senior Center in Smithtown — successfully vaccinating close to 600 residents.
Senior Center
The Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787. The Center was named in honor of long-time Smithtown Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Gene Cannataro.
The Center’s operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm through July 1. The slightly shortened Summer hours, from July 1 through August 31, are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
The Town’s Senior Citizen Department can be reached at 631-360-7616.
