Meals on Wheels- Programs and Services of Rockland, Inc.

Thorpe Senior Activity Center

Newsletter

January/February 2019

Our Forty-fourth Anniversary Year

October 1975 - 2019Thorpe Senior Center

“Where everybody knows your name”

Dominican Convent

175 Route 340

Sparkill, New York 10976“Programs are funded in part by the Administration on Aging, New York State Office for the Aging

Rockland County Office for the Aging, donations, grants, and fees.”

Calling all seniors …

We are looking for you

We invite you and those you know to be part of Thorpe Center. Invite a friend, tell a neighbor that they

will find a warm welcome.

Like to play cards, scrabble, take part in history, literature, exercise, yoga, art or ceramic classes?

Then we are the place for you.

Like company when you dine? Then we are the place for you. Delicious fare, transportation too. Come

join the fun. Call 359-5801 or 359-4058. We’re waiting for you!Sister Maureen

Meals on Wheels- Programs and Services of R.C. Inc.

Published by Thorpe Senior Center, Sparkill Meals on Wheels – Programs and Services

Dominican Convent , 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976 845-624-6325(845) 359-5801 OR (845) 359-4058 www.mowrockland.orgTransportation provided

“Programs are funded in part by the Administration on Aging, New York State Office for the Aging

Rockland County Office for the Aging, donations, grants, and fees.”

Vol. 8 – January 2019

Birthstone ~ Garnet

Flower ~ Carnation

February 2019

Birthstone – Amethyst

Flower - Violet

“Life is not measured by

the number of breathes we

take, but by the moments

that take our breathe away”

Thorpe Senior Activity Center NewsletterWhere people come together …

Spring – Beginnings of New Life The month of March usually says “Good-bye” to Winter Snows and “Hello” to a Green

Spring on March 20. A new beginning – through the snow we see the crocus pushing their

bright pastel colors and green stems upward toward the sun. There is life all around us, and

in March we begin to see it budding. So appropriate it is that on the first day of spring we

will be celebrating the lives of the March Birthday members and of course everyone is

Special on their birthday. Come and celebrate with us.

In March we celebrate the “Wearing of the Green” and on Thursday March 14 we

celebrated at Brady’s Fox Hunt Inn for a dinner of Irish fare. All are welcomed even if

Green is not your color. On Monday, March 11, St. Patrick’s Day music was presented by

Jimmy Walsh with favorite Irish songs and dance along with other popular favorites.

March is also Women’s History month. On Wednesday, March 27, Thorpe Senior Activity

Center will have a One Woman Show - Carolyn Evans portraying the story of Sojourner

Truth. The Clarkstown/Pearl River Senior Activity Center will be attending this presentation

and enjoying the hospitality of Thorpe SAC.

There are many other wonderful activities on the March Calendar. Check them out. Make a

reservation to come in and participate in the programs.

The Green light is on- let’s make a lunch date. Page 1

Page 2

ACTIVITIES AT THORPE

In these uncertain times …When you’d like to dine out …

HISTORY WITH SISTER MAUREEN -

Mondays at 10:00

LITERATURE GROUPWednesdays at 10:15

CERAMICS – Mondays 12:45

EXERCISE – Fridays 10:00

CARDS - SCRABBLE – BINGO –WALKING CLUB

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING(Check calendar for dates and times)

SHOPPING - Shop Rite Northvale

Mondays 1 PM

Orangeburg -Fridays 1 PM

- check calendar

Thorpe Senior Activity

Center is waiting for you !

Lunch every day …Great food …

Warm conversation … New Friends

For a menu and to make a reservationCall 359-4058 or 359-5801

Transportation provided

Come to the place where everybody knows your name!

We Welcome Rabbi Drill Back Pat O’Donnell

In mid-January a ray of

sunshine blessed Thorpe

Center a visit- long overdue –

from Rabbi Drill.

It was especially good to see her looking

so well and back to herself after her

Medical problems.

She spoke of our body being like a tree of

life and what anchors us like roots of

a tree. Like our values we were taught.

Things that enhanced our life – being

with others – learning from friends and

family. Kindness demonstrated through

actions throughout your life.

She did a relaxing meditation and left us

with a blessing. She even had enough

time to conduct a game with us regarding

trees. What fun! She is amazing. How

fortunate we are to have both Rabbis in

our presence!Roommate Hunters

Mickie Parisi

My Grandson Frank moved down to

Miami, Florida for a better job. While

there he was filmed for a TV Segment

while looking for a roommate. He had to

pick one of three candidates to live with.

All three were different in personality and

character.

He decided the second young man would

be his choice. But to my surprise they

weren’t real roommates but actors. The

person who lives with him is a real great

young man.

We send our best wishes to both of them

for safety and good luck.

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North Carolina Yvonne Beamon

On February 14th my brother, sister and I traveled to

North Carolina to visit our family that live there. It

takes approximately 9-10 hours. It’s a long ride but

well worth it to see family.

Note from Marcy Piper

I wish you good health and happy times in the New

Year. Things are going well here for me at

Buckingham. Tell Francine I have been wearing the

Christmas shirt I made with her at Thorpe.

Everybody likes it. Connie DeMaio passed away.

She had cancer. It went quickly. I am enjoying

visiting with my grandson and his family who are

visiting from Georgia. Two great granddaughters,

age 6 and 9, like to visit. They bring their dolls

sometimes and all the old ladies like to see them.

I’m glad they come, Katherine, age 9, decorated my

room for Christmas.

Happy February Birthdays

2/6 Connie Prince

2/14 Annette Morelli

2/17 Al Piscitelli

2/23 Patricia Maloney

2/26 Larry Kwan

A Joke to Share

Pat O’Donnell

A mouse died and went to heaven. As he

arrived at the Pearly Gates he was asked “Is

there anything we can do for you”. The mouse

replied that he’d like a pair of skates. And

they appeared shortly afterwards. A cat died

and arrived in heaven. He too was asked if

there was anything he would like. He replies

“No – I see I have meals on wheels.”

Per Doctor and Pharmacist Pat O’Donnell

When you take water pills,

you are encouraged to also

take potassium chloride pills.

Diuretics cannot and should not

be taken without potassium

pills. We were prescribed 3 a day.

If potassium is not taken – it can cause heart

problems. Because every time the water pills

trigger a bathroom trip you lose potassium

also.

Rabbi Drill Visits Joan Leavy

Rabbi Drill visited us and gave us much “food

for thought”.

We are always so

happy when she comes

to Thorpe – she is a

marvelous person.

She likened each of us to a “tree” – as a tree’s

roots gets energy and nutrition from the soil, we

get energy from our roots. Our “roots” are our

family, friends and our religion – each of these

add to our character and how we live our life.

From the “trunk” of a “tree” comes the energy

and nutrition up; so, too, what we have learned

from family, friends and religion become a part

of our life and we act accordingly. As the

“branches” stretch out with buds & flowers, so

too, we stretch out to others showing care and

concern and help in many ways. Goodness

comes from within each of us – we treat others

with the kindness and respect that we’ve seen in

others that has become a part of us.

Rabbi Drill helped us realize that if we give of

ourselves to others – we can make the world a

better place on a daily basis.

Well Wishes to

Sr. Jude Miriam

who is resigning

after a recent

Surgery. We

applaud her 37

Years of service to

Meals on Wheels.

Page 4

We remember those who are ill

and

....

Sister Jude Miriam, Carmen

Abreu, Jimmy Grennan, Judy

Peaks, Diane McCarthy, Cecilia

Harlan, Doris Blauvelt, Lilliana Lo

pez, Ellie Robertson, Patricia

Lawler, Anne Lenzinger, Gerry

Hershkob, James Buckley, Mary

Hastings, Lisa Stevens, Harold

Schulman, Jeannette Celli, Susan

Celli, Billy Keenan, Mary Stella,

Nicole & Darren Beamon, Anita

Sonia Perez, Jeanette Vasquez, Ann

Wilhelm Seeger, Cathy Nachman,

and the Sisters of St. Dominic

(Blauvelt) and Sparkill Dominican

Sisters in need of healing.

Valentine’s Day

Pat O’Donnell

Valentine’s Day arrived with a

lovely celebration for us. We

celebrated by going out for lunch,

and had the pleasure of the Nyack

Center SAC joining us. That was

extra special.

We enjoyed so much good food and

when we came to the end of our

deserts, here comes a surprise! We

all were given a lovely long

stemmed red rose and a huge

chocolate covered strawberry!

These wonderful gifts had been

chosen by Sister Marie Peter for us.

In her very busy schedule, she

heads out early, selects everything

and delivers them to the restaurant.

For her devotion to us we are

grateful and so appreciative. We

need to do something nice and

special for her.

Thank You, Suzanne BonominiJoan Leavy

For a long time, we have been able to give

lap afghans to our veterans who have done

so much for our country. The person

“behind the scenes” is Suzanne! She has a

gift for crocheting and crochets squares

(large) – various colors, designs and multi-

colored and they are the basis for the

afghans. She has done this crocheting for

us for a long time!!! When her work

arrives, Marie Lucas takes them and in a

truly wonderful way, she stitches them

together – one square to the other with

unique stitching – each afghan is different,

all are beautiful and the veterans are so

thrilled to get them.

Thank you Suzanne, for all you’ve done

and still do. Due to you and Marie, we are

able to give these afghans to veterans

making their lives happier. The veterns

know that we at Thorpe do care about

them.

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Thorpe Senior

Activity Center

NEW MEMBERS

For information

PLEASE CALL

845-359-4058

March Birthdays

3-3 - Aurora Pantua

3-12 –Sister Maureen Bradshaw

3-12 – Ray Smith

3-14 – Frances Correra

3-15 – Isabella Parrillo

3-19 – Judy Scandiffio

3-20 - Susan Thompson

3-22 - Marcy Piper

3-29 – Marion O’Leary

Such Great Activities Sister Eileen

This month, we had a wonderful opportunity

to work on our artistic talents!

Paul Mindich helped us with a water painting

projects. We were able to trace a picture-

backed with carbon paper onto parchment,

on which we worked with great results.

A small amount of water was placed on our

parchment and the print we each used spread

out in a lovely fashion! That part was dried

out and the rest of the sketch was painted

with a variety of colors – a vase filled with

tulips! Each participant did a great job – a

nice variety of colors.

Water paint is so relaxing and the results

were ready for framing. At the end, Paul

took a picture of our work – he was very

pleased with our artistic talents, and so were

we – a nice activity and nice results.

Thorpe Celebrates Chinese New Year Donna Stephens

We celebrated Chinese New Year with great

food and plenty of members. I enjoyed the

music with Georganne, and we all sang and

dance the afternoon away – I enjoy attending

Thorpe Center.

I was looking forward to Valentine Lunch at

Ragazzi with the members but we went to

visit our sister in North Carolina for the

weekend.

Page 6

From Our MailbagTo Our Friends at Thorpe Senior Center,

How delighted we were at Albertus Magnus to

receive your generous donation of much needed

supplies to help the homeless.

As I write this, I’m thinking about our next trip to

New York City to bring food, clothes and other

supplies to our sisters and brothers living on the

street, and how by that time I’m sure temperatures

will be quite frigid. The items you generously

donated will be in great demand and we are so

happy that you chose to support our efforts.

So on behalf of the students of Albertus, the

homeless we serve and myself, THANK YOU for

opening your hearts to those less fortunate. Let me

assure you that the people we see are so

appreciative of anything they receive and always

ask God to bless us and those who support our

work. So I extend that Gratitude and blessing to

you and assure you of our prayers for all of you.

God Bless You,

Sister Nancy Richter

Campus Minister

Albertus Magnus High School

Tai Chi Joan Leavy

Our Tai Chi activity was just so nice! The

movements are slow – enabling us to strengthen

our muscles. From head to toe we exercise –

turning the head – right and left strengthens the

muscles. Let motions strengthened those parts of

our body and even our toes get a work out. All of

activity are done with a background of quiet music.

Tai Chi is very rewarding and keeps us in good

shape. Come and join us – it’ll make you feel a lot

better.

. Advice from a Tree by Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,

Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of a greater source

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The Energy and birth of Spring

The Growth and Contentment of Summer

The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun

And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you

And the mystery of the stars at night.

Seek nourishment from the good things in life

Simple pleasures

Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

Looking Forward to April & May

BE SURE TO SIGN UP EARLY FOR

THESE SPECIAL PROGRAMS

April 3 –AcupuncturistApril 4 –Volunteer Recognition Day

April 5 –Emergency Preparedness

Forum Palasides Center

April 8th-12th Senior Restaurant Week –Sponsored by OFA

April 10 –Empire City Casino

April 11 –Color Easter Eggs

April 17 --Art Time

April 18 –Pizza Party & Bingo

at North Rockland SAC

April 22 – Easter Celebration

April 26 – Celebrate Passover

May 2 --Westchester Dinner Theatre

– $56.

May 28 -- Four-Part Cooking Series

Starts at Nyack SAC

May 29 -- Power of Age at RCC NuStep Exerciser is now Available

at Thorpe SACCome take advantage of the NuStep

exerciser at Thorpe SAC . If interested in

using the new exerciser Be Sure to Bring in

A HealthCare Provider’s note approving

you for exercise on a NuStep machine.

Travel and VacationsAl Piscitelli

I inherited from my father his passion for

travel. At the drop of a hat, he would tell

my mother to pack the bags, “We’re going

to San Diego to see Dom” (my brother

Dom relocated his family to California

years ago.) The only difference between

my father and I was that he loved to drive.

He would take the southern route to the

west coast stopping a day or two in New

Orleans and on the way home he would

take the northern route, weather

permitting, in order to see extra sites. He

traveled to the Hawaiian Islands several

times but I can’t imagine why. Several

times I saw my father looking at the map

of the west coast to see if they were

building a causeway to the islands I went

there two times and didn’t like it at all.

The large island was too touristy and very

expensive. The smaller islands were more

touristy and even more expensive. New

Zealand has far more to offer, mountains,

fields, beaches, desert, fiords, and natural

steam outlets. A delicious double scoop

ice cream cone cost fifty cents.

My Catherine and I loved vacations and

travel. In the middle of October we would

spend a long weekend in the Poconos to

celebrate our wedding anniversary

(October 12). We loved to cruise the

Caribbean in January. In those days the

capacity of most ships was 700 passengers

and the ships were only half full. You

were treated like a business mogul was in

the 1920’s and 30’s.The cabin steward

kept our room immaculate and the dining

waiter always had an off menu surprise.

You had the same table for every meal and

you didn’t have to make reservation. We

always flew from New York to Miami or

San Juan so as to be in the warm weather

in 3 hours.

One trip home from San Juan we had a

schedule stop in Baltimore. After discharging

the Baltimore passengers, the plane took off for

New York. Half way down the runway a right

engine blew up and caught fire. The pilot

stopped on a dime and if I didn’t have the seat

belt on I would have shot like a bullet through

the bulkhead and out the pilot’s window. With

sheer terror in her voice the stewardess yelled

“EVACUATE!” Now at this time I must have

flown at least 200 times but I just couldn’t

remember how to release the seat belt. Panic

set in and I was going to use anxiety strength

and pull the belt from the seat. My Catherine

very calmly lifted the latch and I was free. I

could only find one shoe but I grabbed her coat

and pushed her to the exit. The door was open

and we went down the Shute. It was a great

ride-you landed standing upright. We ran away

from the plane. It was 4 degrees and I only had

one shoe but thankfully My Catherine had her

coat. An obnoxious little kid who sat behind

me kicking the back of my seat all the way to

Baltimore was running all alone without a coat

on. I picked him up and carried him in my left

arm and half carried My Catherine in my right

arm. When we were exhausted and could run

no more, the passengers huddled in a large

circle. The firemen came; one gave me his

boot, and eventually took us to a terminal. The

boy’s father took his son and the miserable guy

didn’t even say thanks.

The airport manager gave us three options.

First he was going to take care of those

passengers who would fly to New York

immediately, then take care of those who

would stay in Baltimore and fly home the next

day and finally have a bus take the remaining

to New York. We and six others opted for the

bus trip. (Continued next page… ) Page 8

Continued – Travels

There was no way I would get My Catherineon a plane for awhile. After waiting 5 hours forthe bus I went to the manager to find out whatwas the delay. He said there was a problemgetting a bus driver.I suggested he go to Hertzand rent a van and I will drive. He advised hetried that but none was available. I went toHertz and was told the manager only asked fora van 10 minutes ago. I saw red and grabbedthe manager by the lapels and told him he has10 minutes to get us off to New York. Seeingmy fury, he took My Catherine and me to thetaxi stand and told the driver to take us toKennedy and bill the airline. On the way up Ioffered the driver 20 dollars to take us toBlauvelt. He took the money and in about 5hours we were home.

Surprisingly My Catherine was not airline shy so in June we booked our first European trip with a Parillo tour of Italy. Our two unmarried daughters accompanied us (the older two were busy raising families). Janet and Mariann hit every Benetton sweater shop from Sorrento to the Swiss border and My Catherine and I hit every bathroom.

THORPE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

STAFF

Sr. Maureen Bradshaw, Manager

Francine Fevola, Program Coordinator

Michael Gorkowski, Custodian

Neil Di Lorenzo, our Driver

OFFICERS 2018 - 2020

Co-Presidents - Mickie Parisi and Marion O’Leary

Co - Secretaries - Patricia O'Donnell

Co-Treasurer -Evelyn D’Angelo

SPECIAL ADVISOR: , Nora Buckley works with the Officers and Staff

We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of

Mildred Lampone 1-22-2019

(Sister of Al Piscitelli

Gerry Armetta 2-1-2019

Connie Fedele 2-15-2019

(Mother of Mickie Parisi)

Joshua White 2-10-2019

(grandson of Shirley Swann)

who died this past month. They will be missed.

NEW MEMBERS

January

Gail Martin

Delores Mastolia

Madeline Panzi

March

Mary Armstrong

Constance Mitolo

Alice Rigazio

Carmine Palermo

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