Greenburgh Seniors Socialize, Dance and Eat Fish

GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- The mood was high Friday morning at the Yosemite Park, where more than 40 people, most senior citizens, gathered for the 22nd version of the annual fish fry promoted by the Theodore D. Young Community Center. Taking advantage of the good weather, they ate and chat and listened to music.

“It’s just really good to be socializing with other seniors today,” said Marionette Maldonado, a longtime Hartsdale resident.

The fish fry is one of the many activities of the center’s senior citizens and older adults program, along with drawing and painting, games, gymnastics and more than 150 trips a year. Those include restaurants, theater plays, museums and a sleep-away trip every year, said George Coniglio, the program director. Last year they did a cruise to Bahamas; another is scheduled to Canada in 2012, Coniglio said.

He added that the program has more than 300 people registered, and that anybody older than 50 can join, hence the “older adults” denomination.

“It worked out really well. We got more people this way,” said Coniglio, who has been the program director since 1994.

Sandy Esannason, of Greenburgh, had only good words for the program during the fish fry.

“It’s a model for others. We have a lot of people and a lot of interesting trips,” Esannason said, mentioning one to Coney Island.

Sitting with some seniors and wearing a tropical shirt, Coniglio enjoyed a plate of whiting fish, shrimp, beans and salad, the main components of the menu. He highlighted that the staff brought the food.

“We try to emphasize customer services,” he said. “No waiting on the line. I hate that.”

The center's commissioner William Carter and his deputy James Robinson also showed up, with Carter even venturing some dancing steps. So did Maldonado, when the Milt Harris band played “Oh Happy Day.”

“When I hear music, I move a little bit,” she said.

 

Are you a senior and part of the Theodore D. Young Community Center? Share your experiences with us. You can also do it in Facebook.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenburgh and receive free news updates.