Recognizing Senior Companions
By Chelsea Nuesi
The Senior Companion Program’s Spring 2015 Recognition Luncheon – honoring Senior Companions who have given five to twenty years of service – was held on Monday, June 15th, at the ConEdison building near 14th street. This program pairs more robust seniors with their frailer counterparts to provide friendly visits, escorts to medical appointments and other services. The goal is to help seniors remain independent in their community.
The Senior Companion luncheon guests sat at tables decorated with colorful art works created by the children in Henry Street’s Day Care Center. The children drew their favorite animals and places with crayons and paint, and decorated their work with construction paper.
DJ Mambo got the party started as he played bachata, rock and roll and salsa music from the 1960s onward. The guests easily found partners for “The Twist” and quickly organized a dance line for “The Electric Slide.” Very few were too shy to show off their dance moves in front of their friends. Their fist bumps, spins, laughter and smiles proved that the definition of fun lasts well into the senior years.
Henry Street’s Executive Director David Garza expressed his appreciation to the Senior Companions. He shared personal stories about the challenges faced by his own elderly relatives, which lifted and touched the hearts of many attendees. After Garza said his final thank you, the guests acknowledged his gratitude with bright smiles and warm handshakes.
Senior Companion Program Director Rachel Hughes presented engraved awards to those celebrating five, 10, 15 and 20 years of service to the program. She later raffled gift bags from Macy’s and snacks from CulinArt. ConEdison also gifted fabulous green totes, which the guests were able to use to carry their awards and prizes.
To become a Senior Companion, check our website and contact Program Coordinator Kristina Bustos at 212.477.0455.
