Covid-19 virus did not stop Hewlett-based CALE

Center for Adult Life Enrichment Executive Director Lee Gerardi personally welcomes and walks members into what was the carriage house of the Hewlett estate on the Hewlett High School campus at 37 East Rockaway Road.

All who enter must sanitize their hands, have their temperature taken, wear a mask and fill out an 11-question Covid waiver, regarding vaccination and testing, to help everyone safe and healthy.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, CALE has remained a mainstay in the members’ lives. Gerardi and others have stayed in touch with members by phone and keeps them informed through daily emails.

Whether on Zoom or in-person, Gerardi, the board presidents, first Richard Braverman and now Rhonnie Fischman, along with the board, have kept the “doors” open during Covid. [Full disclosure, I am a board member.]

“It’s been a struggle,” Gerardi said, not long after singer/songwriter Stuart Markus had finished his roughly hourlong performance. “There were so many variants and we have weathered that storm together.” She also credited the vendors that provide their services and talents.

CALE prides itself in offering college-caliber lectures, entertaining musical artists and when possible stimulating day trips. The programs, from book discussions to intimate concerts, exercise sessions, including tai chi and Zumba, maintains CALE's mission of serving its members, offering the programs and services the members desire, and be that home away from home for them.

“Many of our members live alone because of Covid their family members are away from them and they feel isolated, we can’t have them isolated,” Fischman said, explaining why it was critical to have CALE offering its program to members and then reopen in-person in August of 2020 under strict Covid protocols that remain place that includes limiting the number of people in the building to a maximum of 12.

“The members see that we care for them and, being with us, outside of their apartment is a benefit to their whole psyche, Fischman added. She also teaches intermediate French at CALE. “Lee’s role has been so steadfast, she just keeps it sunny, upbeat and healthy.”

Only four members attended Markus’s Thursday show, however, Gerardi said that more would have attended but for the weather and concern over the Omicron variant that has kept people home are the reasons that CALE continues to offer programs over Zoom.

Markus, a member of the renowned folk band Gathering Time, has been performing for 27 years and doing it full-time for 20. “Music is very powerful for people and seems to enhance memory,” he said, as he packed up his guitar and compact sound system.

Markus noted that with today’s senior audiences the variety of music he plays has expanded. During his performance he ranged from “Me and My Shadow” sung by Sammy Davis Jr. to Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville.”

Under the saying “it takes a village,” Community Chest South Shore, Hewlett-Woodmere School District, Inwood Charities, the Nassau County Department of Aging, National Council of Jewish Women-Peninsula Section and the Town of Hempstead are sponsoring agencies.

To learn more about the Center for Adult Life Enrichment or become a member, call (516) 374-4747 or email hwcale@aol.com. The website is www.hw-cale.com.