Sandel Center honors Rockville Centre's oldest residents

On a beautiful recent Friday afternoon, over 100 people gathered in the garden park of the Sandel Senior Center to honor the nearly 30 members of the center who are 90 or older and to enjoy a social featuring an ice cream bar stocked with 25 flavors and all the toppings.

The July 30 party was described as a true celebration marked by warm camaraderie. Senior Services Director Dr. Cyd Charrow greeted each honoree privately and publicly, introducing them and listening as they spoke about themselves and their lives. Mayor Mary Bossart came to extend her good wishes.

“It’s awesome to see how productive people can be well into their 90s,” said Deputy Director Chris O’Leary. “They were inspirational and impressive. They are well connected and they looked so good.”

O’Leary said that many of the older members taking center stage at the celebration remain very active at the Sandel Center — and many attributed their vitality and good health to that involvement. A number of them continue their volunteer work, planting every year at the train station, staffing the volunteer desk at Village Hall, and staying active in the center’s Showtime performing group. And many, O'Leary added, also play mah jongg regularly.