No generation gap in Wantagh

Several dozen seniors braved the cold and gloomy weather to join students at Wantagh High School for an intergenerational dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Dinner was followed with a preview of the Wantagh High School Drama Club’s musical production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

“I love the theater and I love coming here,” Joan Isaacs, a senior from the Wantagh Senior Center, said. She has been to the intergenerational dinner once before and attended a performance of “The Pirates of Penzance.”

“The students are polite and congenial and care enough to be here with us,” she said.

The intergenerational dinner, followed by a Broadway show experience right in their own community, is a 25-year tradition that provides an opportunity for senior citizens to meet Wantagh High School students, and to learn a little bit about each other’s lives.

“It’s a nice connection,” Emily Fenter, a Wantagh High School student said. “We serve dinner and talk a bit.”

Meghan Daly, another Wantagh High School student, agreed. “It’s nice to get together and enjoy the night,” she said. “I get a lot from it and I think they are happy too.”

Lois Susco, the coordinator at the Wantagh Senior Center, said the event was a long time favorite for many of the seniors. “It’s the best event and the play is always great,” she said. “The children are wonderful. A lot of young people are afraid to socialize, but not here in Wantagh.”

Dinner was held in the high school cafeteria and the room was set up like a French-style bistro. The menu included a salad, followed by chicken, pasta, potatoes and vegetables — all prepared by students from the National Honor Society. Students acted as hosts and waiters, catering to the needs of their guests. Additionally, each guest was given a raffle ticket that entitled him or her to a gift bag filled with goodies.

And in true intergenerational spirit, the seniors brought dessert. There were trays of cookies, cakes and other sweets to top off the evening before the big show.

Nancy Allen and Paul Schraff, both in their 80s, said they were delighted to participate in the evening’s festivities. “I’ve been here before but not my sweetheart,” Schraff said as he took Allen’s hand. “This is a nice evening out for us.”

Wantagh High School student Julia Laibach served dinner and then had to rush off to play the piccolo in the pit orchestra. But this busy student didn’t mind being at the intergenerational dinner. “I’m glad we can do something to give back to our community,” Laibach said. “They deserve this. It’s fun.”

The seniors agreed.

“This is my first time, but it’s so exciting,” Pat Dotaro whispered. “All this, and then a show.”