Valley Stream seniors seize the summer

The seniors of the Silver Threads Group of Valley Stream found a way to dodge the blazing sun that milled over the village on July 28 with a cool session of lively card games and bingo. Contagious laughter, mile-wide smiles and wise words filled the air of the administration building at A.J. Hendrickson Park around 1 p.m. And though the day was growing lazy, the group continued to let the good times roll.

“This is a place to meet, play and have fun,” Coordinator Barbara Diglio said. “It is a nice full program. These meetings take up [the seniors’] time so they are not idle. And there is camaraderie with the men and women.” Diglio notes that the building was erected for the seniors around 40 years ago and serves a recreational purpose for the community seniors, who playfully interact with one another during their meetings.

With such high spirits during last Wednesday’s gathering, the senior group members waged battle against their counterparts using strategy and wit to outsmart their opponents in card games. But as emotions ran high, excitement grew for the 60 years and older Valley Stream residents, who meet six days a week. Even Ann Zurlo, 88, was thrilled with the action.

“This is my life,” said Zurlo, a 58-year resident of the village. “We have nothing else to do and it is great to come here.”

On this social day, there was compelling conversation and fellowship which about 30 seniors participated in like Mike Tantillo, a 75-year-old member. “This program is very nice,” Tantillo said. “There are nice people and we all get along.”

Silver Threads members are able to partake in a long list of activities such as a swim club, tai chi classes, exercise sessions, knitting and crocheting, and a softball team, The Indians. For adventurous members, there are bus rides to theater shows, King Kullen and Waldbaums, Lido Beach, and even a once a month visit to Atlantic City.

Whether you want to create works of art, dance the afternoon away, or raise your voice in thought-provoking lectures, there is something to tickle anyone’s fancy, according to Diglio.

Diglio takes time from a busy schedule to summarize some of the things the program offers. “In the winter, we do more and in the summer, we do less because the seniors go to the pool or they travel,” she said. “They saw a show last week, “The Producers,” and they went to lunch. We have a bus if we have to go to a show, which is fantastic. We have monthly movies and dances…there is music under the gazebo [during] the Brown Bag concert and everyone brings lunch on every other Friday at 12 noon. The men play poker and the women play poker sometimes, too.”

Diglio said that some programs operate on a specific schedule like tai chi on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. and Lido Beach trips on Thursdays, which the Town of Hempstead provides a bus to pick up the seniors between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Many of the activities are during the day because it is more convenient for the seniors, says Diglio. And with bus service to pick up the seniors from their homes, many members take advantage of these offers.

Eighty five-year-old Minie Ciarcia loves the activities and outings, especially the Atlantic City trips. “It is something to do when you are alone,” she said. “It is great to socialize and meet other people. You get out of the house and relax.”

Sam Berman, who is also 85 and shares a 15-year association with the group, agrees with Ciarcia. “This is the only place we have to go,” Berman said. “It is the only place I know.”

Sue Ziade, 77, said this group is a lifesaver, while Philip Besarano, 73, recounts his long admiration of Hendrickson Park and all the amenities that the village offers like this group.

Even members who have left Valley Stream and moved to other neighboring communities still can come to mingle. Fay Metz, who now lives in East Rockaway, comes back because of what she calls her love for the group. “I lived in Valley Stream for 85 years, and I have been coming to Silver Threads for 25 years,” she said. “I like to play cards. I like to go on theater trips. I am able to park and walk in here. I come back so much because I like it.”

And members like Barbara Heller, 71, and Joan Manney, 75, love Diglio for her dedication. “She is always open to new suggestions,” Heller said. “She runs good trips and dinners. She is nice to everyone and accommodating.

Manney said she likes all that Diglio does for the group. “We cannot be here without her,” Manney said. “She will fight for us.”

The love is mutual because Diglio feels the same way. “It is wonderful to be coordinator,” she said. “It is great seeing them every day. They are funny…they share their secrets and lives. They are very interesting to talk to. When you sit with them, you realize they are very knowledgeable.”