Marie DePalma writes:
To all the people in the “06880 community” of a certain age: If you haven’t been to the Westport Center for Senior Activities (Senior Center), you are missing out!
I nominate for unsung heroes the entire WCSA staff.
They are all the best: friendly, helpful, sympathetic, always smiling, and always giving a friendly “hello” when you walk through the doors.
Senior Center staff (from left): Denise Puskas, Jenny Townsend (no longer on staff), Felicia Smith, Bobby Novack, Jason Wilson (no longer on staff), Wendy Petty, Diana Andrews, Kaila Morgan, Holly Betts, Paulina Przybysz, Lawrie Williams. Not pictured: Luis Angel Atamiz, San Chaz, Rick McVay.
Wendy Petty is the Senior Center director. She is a very special person: friendly and helpful to all. She spends time in the lobby greeting and talking to seniors as they enter. She capably manages the staff, and keeps the Center running smoothly.
I always learn new things from Holly Betts, the assistant director. She has great catering skills, and makes wonderful hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats for all the special events. Holly also manages over 90 classes, lectures and special programs every week. The best!
Paulina Przyzysb is the nutrition program coordinator, managing home-delivered meals and the kitchen. I love working with her on Mondays. It is a great kitchen with wonderful menus, serving healthy lunches 5 days a week.
Luis is our super skilled chef, helped by Rick who keeps the kitchen in tip-top shape. The home-delivered meals program provides daily food assistance to many people in town.
Chef Luis.
Bobbie and Lawrie are the two Center custodians. They are always ready to move furniture, set up rooms, keep things clean and provide a hand.
Kaila Morgan is a social worker in the Department of Human Services. She spends many hours at the Center, helping navigate the many state and local programs available to seniors. She is ready and willing for all.
Last but not least are Felicia, Denise and Diana – the first beautiful and friendly faces you see when you walk through the doors. They sign people up for classes, special events, lunches, bingo and much more. They have full knowledge of everything at the Center, and are dedicated to helping everyone.
PS: We cannot forget the Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities. They put on great Sunday music programs, and sponsor films, lectures and other performances on Fridays.
As a senior myself, there is much to be grateful for, thanks to the superb WCSA staff.
I’m sorry if I have forgotten anyone. Please chalk it up to “a senior moment”!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
I love their programs. I take 2 fitness classes. The instructors are fabulous.
Bravo to all at the Westport Senior Center – I always hear about the wonderful things they offer and it’s chock full ! Another fantastic amenity that Westport has ! And Marie … you keep telling me you’re 39 … how could you possibly attend the Senior center ?!?! Great article ! xo
Great post! I second everything you said, Marie. I love our Senior Center!
As the former director, I second Marie’s words. This was heartwarming for me to read! Great facility, great staff, great participants, great supporters, great town!
Sue Pfister
The Senior Center is a first class facility run by a smart, compassionate staff. The range of quality offerings is amazing. We are very lucky to have it.
Very eloquently said Marie! facility and staff are top notch and I’m grateful for all the do for the seniors!
I have been waiting to turn 60 so I can go! I hope my intel is right and this is the year I can start using another amazing Westport Jewel!
They are massively gifted and sweet and available and we are one lucky town to have them.