Senior Citizen Programs at Pawling Recreation
It is November 22, and on the tables at Pawling Recreation’s Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon were a variety of colorful paper gratitude ornaments that contained a space for the guests to write what they are grateful for. These notes would be used to decorate one of the many Christmas trees on Pawling’s Village Green on November 26. Many of the people wrote how grateful they are for their grandchildren, family, friends, and good health. It was at this event that our line dancers, who participate in line dancing classes at Pawling Recreation each week, were to perform a few dance numbers for the audience. Unfortunately, our dance instructor had been involved in a car accident earlier in the month and was unable to attend. Without her direction, the dance students did not wish to proceed, preferring to perform at another luncheon under the guidance of their instructor. Prior to the senior luncheon, one of the most experienced line dancing students was able to fill-in for our dance teacher and lead two line dancing classes. She kindly refused payment for her services, and wanted the money to solely be given to help our instructor
We were all so taken by the comradery of our senior citizens who kept this program going in spite of the temporary absence of their dance instructor. We have great respect and appreciation for their bond and positive attitude, which is really something to take note of. During the program laughter from the participants fills the room and lifts the heart.
In the spring, the Pawling Library was awarded an MHLS Outreach Mini-Grant that provided funding for line dancing to our senior citizens in Pawling. Since then, line dancing classes have regularly taken place in the spacious rooms at Pawling Recreation, and on November 30 the grant cycle came to a close. On this day, Civita “Tina” Orgera, our line dancing instructor, returned to teach a dance class. She was welcomed back with hugs, flowers, and applause. We were so glad to see her again, leading her dance class. Some of the students fumbled a dance routine or two. One person said while laughing, “We laugh and have fun, and that’s all that matters.” With Pawling Recreation’s approval, line dancing classes will continue in December and throughout the new year.
Some of the dance students also participate in our library’s afternoon Coloring Group program and Monday Matinee at Pawling Recreation. They also recently took part in a reindeer ornament holiday workshop. Those ornaments adorn a Christmas tree on the Village Green.
I attended the Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon, and on my gratitude ornament I wrote, “I am grateful for Pawling Recreation.” The Pawling Library is very fortunate to have Pawling Recreation as our community partner. It is a pleasure working together to make a variety of programs, workshops, and events available to the public. Most of all, we are grateful to the many people who come to Pawling Recreation and the Pawling Library every day and wish them the very best.
