By Liz McBreen
According to past president Sal LoPinto, when the freezer was still in use, members could buy in bulk to prepare the over 60 meals a day that the center serves to visitors and homebound senior citizens. Now, food has to be bought everyday, which is more expensive. "We are not going to raise the price of the lunch program, so we try to buy sale items whenever possible to keep costs down," said Nick Ventola, president of the senior center. The center is a non-profit organization. All of the money that is collected from members goes directly back into the programs that provide meals and activities.After the freezer had to be removed from the kitchen, LoPinto decided to write to Sen. Balboni, who represents the seventh district, to asked for help. A few pieces of correspondence were exchanged over the last two years, letting LoPinto know that Balboni was aware of the center's need. "I'm sure that he was focused on Sept. 11 for a long time," said LoPinto. On Sept. 5 of this year, LoPinto received a letter from Balboni stating that the center would receive $8,000 in state funding. Last Wednesday, Balboni, joined by Town Supervisor Rich Guardino, presented a check to the center. Guardino described Balboni as a strong advocate of senior citizens, "Senator Balboni has always been in the forefront with issues concerning seniors, and we have been, and will continue to do everything we can to maintain and improve facilities such as this," said Guardino. The Senator spoke about his efforts to protect senior citizens in his district with a number of programs and laws. In 1998, he helped enact Kathy's Law which significantly increased the penalties against caregivers who prey on and abuse elderly people in their care. Balboni also supported both the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program, which helps seniors afford rising prescription drugs costs, and the Star Program, which lowers school taxes for New York homeowners, particularly seniors, through property tax exemptions. "As long as I am in office, I will make sure that these programs receive funding every year," said Balboni.The grant presented by Balboni will go toward buying a new freezer for the center as well as repairing the kitchen. About 40 seniors eat at the center on Martha Place every day, and according to LoPinto, there are about 40 others who have meals delivered to them through an outreach program because they are not able to get to the center. Seniors in West Hempstead, Elmont, Garden City South, Valley Stream and Lynbrook receive meals made at the center. "I am proud to present this grant to such a vital part of the Franklin Square community," said Balboni.Ventola explained that the center also takes part in Senior Care. Through this program, handicapped seniors travel to different senior centers every day for lunch, visiting the Franklin Square center on Mondays.The senior center offers daily activities including bowling, bingo, painting, and live entertainment such as comedians and guest speakers and has a shuttle that will pick up and drop off seniors who do not have their own transportation. The center will celebrate its 30th year of operation in April.
