Bensonhurst Senior Center Visit

At the end of each program, we usually have a party to celebrate our seniors’ achievements and acknowledge their great work. Today we were able to meet in person for the first time in over a year!! We were greeted with smiles and hugs and ushered into our classroom where a magnificent array of food had been arranged. The blackboard was emblazoned with a greeting and tables displayed our last 4 projects - pop-up book made from recycled materials telling family stories, accordion book which focused on looking with new eyes at everyday household objects, The Taste of Memory book, which highlighted favorite dishes and the Visual Diary, in which they drew scenes from their lives. 

It was especially exciting to meet Lao Yu in person for the first time as she is a “new” student who has joined the class since we went virtual because of C OVID lockdowns. She traveled from Staten Island with her grandson. It was joyful to see Miu there, who has not been able to join our classes in person but always watches the videos, completing all set tasks and homework to a very high standard.

Seeing their artwork live was a real treat as something is always lost in the virtual realm. Holding their books in our hands while they proudly told us the stories of each page, was a terrific experience. 

Kay, who we first met at Sheepshead Bay Senior Center, videoed the event and took lots of photos. He intends to edit the video and upload it to Homecrest’s FB page. We look forward to seeing the finished product. Hong live streamed it for those who were unable to join us. Fanny, Chip and Don joined us for the celebrations, and we were each presented with a giant bouquet of gorgeous flowers. 

Homecrest Community Services is an organization which really cares for each and every one of its members and we also feel supported and encouraged. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with this incredible group of senior citizens, Julisa, Ru Ping, So Sim, Sook Fong, Hui Fen, Miu, Susanna, Stella, Lao Yu, Jing Wei, and Pun.


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