Rockville Centre Senior Services Director celebrates 25 years

  On June 25, Dr. Cyd Charrow hosted a garden party at the Sandel Senior Center to commemorate her 25th anniversary as director of the Rockville Centre Department of Senior Services.

Over 100 Sandel Senior Center members and community friends turned out to enjoy the gorgeous ambiance of the fully-bloomed garden park, beautiful desserts (stylishly served by the Sandel staff) and the festive atmosphere.

There was much reminiscing about the tremendous growth and ongoing achievements of Senior Services over the past quarter century. "It took a village — the Village of Rockville Centre," Dr. Charrow quipped.

Among the officials present to offer congratulations were Mayor Mary Bossart Deputy Mayor Chuck Joyce who is the board’s liaison to Senior Services, Trustee David Krasula.  

Dr. Charrow lauded the many people who made everything possible. She acknowledged Sen. Dean Skelos, who arranged for her to receive a resolution from the New York State Senate and former mayors Gene Murray, who designated Senior Services as a separate department of the village and Leonard Sandel — the founder of the Friends of Senior Services Inc. and the namesake of the senior center.

Also credited by Charrow with the success of the department are the outstanding staff of senior services, members of FOSSI and the active volunteers and members of the Sandel Center.

Personal memories shared by the guests proved to be the highlight of the afternoon. Many people sincerely thanked "Dr. Cyd" for enacting her vision for the benefit of seniors in the village.

“Your dream came true for a lot of other people too," said center member Doris Marshal. "As a recipient, I’ve had joy and purpose in my otherwise mature years. Can’t wait to see what you dream up next.”