By TIFFANY RAZZANO
The plan calls for a 2,500 square foot piece of undeveloped land north of the main building to be renovated, paved and landscaped. The Garden Park will include plantings, a waterfall, a gazebo and a shaded walkway with Sandel's 30th anniversary logo etched in it. The park will cost approximately $75,000. The Sandel Center has already raised around $33,000.
"This will be a beautiful, private, spacious area for our seniors and we need the space to accommodate our programs," said Cyd Charrow, director of Senior Services. Charrow said that the area would be used for a variety of outdoor activities, as well as giving members a place to sit and talk during nice weather.
Chris O'Leary, deputy director of Senior Services, says that many of the center's members live in nearby apartments and miss having a backyard. O'Leary said on top of the many activities that can be held in the garden, it will also be a good place for the seniors to relax and socialize, even suggesting that the center hold barbecues there during the summer. "This Garden Park is not going to be just a passive area," she said. "We're looking to expand our programs with this space... It's about staying current, and staying modern."
Though O'Leary says that some seniors are wary of any changes, most are supportive and excited about the coming park. "I think it will be very nice," said Betty Bergbuchler, a member of the center. "Everywhere else here is beautiful, but that area is not beautiful... Not only will it make the center beautiful, but it will make the village more beautiful." She said she looks forward to having coffee out there during the spring and summer, as well as moving the tai chi lessons out there.
Most agree that the area needs to be renovated so that it looks as nice as the rest of the center. "Building a park is a great idea," Edith Weisman said. "The beauty of the park might cause inquisitive people to wonder what is going on at the center. So it might draw new members."
"That area is a kind of dead space right now," said Terry Conforti, treasurer of the Sandel Club. "The Garden Park would certainly dress up the back entrance."
So far, a number of village business owners, residents and former residents have stepped forward to volunteer their time or money, Charrow said. Denise Bradley, a local architect, designed the garden, while Bob Schenone, a local landscaper has helped with the design and will do the landscaping when it comes time to begin the project. Graphic designer Janet Poggi designed the 30th anniversary that will be etched in the walkway and has helped to make various signs for the project. Kevin Akner, of Akner construction, and Marty Bevilacqua, of Oceanville Mason Supplies, and electrician Rich McDonough, will all donate their time, and possibly supplies, to the project. "The idea is really to work with merchants in the area," Charrow said.
The center is still accepting donations to the project, which is being organized by the Friends of Senior Services, Inc. Sponsors can contribute to the project by donating paving stones with their names for $300 each or $500 for two. Shared sponsorships are also available for park benches ($1,200), the walkway ($3,000) and the gazebo ($9,000).
Nassau County Legislator Joe Scannell has secured a large grant for the project. Carol Dickman, who grew up in Rockville Centre and has taught yoga at the center, will be donating money towards the garden in memory of her father Louis Dickman. Money to pay for the waterfall is also being collected in memory of Samantha Schwartz, a former teacher of jewelry-making at the center who recently passed away. Donations are also being made in honor of the 90th birthday of Herb Fox, a member of the center. Tax-deductible contributions to help grow the Garden Park maybe be sent to the Sandel Center, P.O. Box 950, Rockville Centre, N.Y., 11571.
Comments about this story? TRAZZANO@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 221.
