Written by our
Special Guest Blogger
Melik Henderson
Age: 12
What a joyous time when one can hear stories from interesting individuals. What does it matter that these individuals happen to be in their later years? On a sunny afternoon in the upper west side, Morningside Village members and volunteers gathered, rejoiced and had a swell Sunday afternoon tea party. Irene Zola, the founder of the program was also attendant and had a good time. Everybody enjoyed the companionship of others and the warming sensation of tea. Filled with laughter, music and excitement, this tea party was one to remember. It was not surprising how everybody left the party happy and benevolent. Nan Paolillo, the hostess, generously allowed her home to be used and proclaimed that there will hopefully be more events in the future. As well as a congenial and charming person, Nan Paolillo is also an exceptional journalist. She shared with me that she was glad to have her home used for such a wonderful event and believes that her home should be a place where people feel welcomed. Her home is filled with artifacts that she has collected throughout her world travels, rendering it truly unique.
During my time at the tea party I met various people with very interesting stories. One that stood out in particular was Olga Hruby. It happens to be that she is a linguist and she told me that she can understand 14 languages. This is a true accomplishment, indeed. Furthermore, she is friends with Irene and was glad to come and attend the party. Interesting enough, Olga has also met an Emperor from Ethiopia in the year of 1970. She then said that I resembled the former emperor. This then proves that all people are interesting and have stories to tell, whether they be in the spring of their youth or elderly.
Another interesting woman that I had the pleasure to chat with was Edith Taussig, a woman of true character. Edith has a humorous personality and believes that the Morningside Village program is simply wonderful. As well as thinking the program is wonderful, she also finds the program very helpful towards older people that do not have a lot of money.
As I was making my way through the party, I met Francoise Noble, a splendid woman. I asked her “what brought her here?” And she stated that she actually was one of the main organizers for the party and felt that it was her duty to let the seniors interact with each other. I then proceeded to question her thoughts about the program, and she responded that she believes that the program is excellent and really aids the seniors to be part of the community. The elderly are often “left out of the loop” she then continued. It is true, our society often turns down the elderly, and it is prominent to watch the television and see an older person being condemned. However, the Morningside Village program is a start to a change, where the elderly are respected and not looked down upon. This program sparks the ideologies of true community leaders, and a start to the new generation. A panel meeting will be held June 8th addressing various issues that need to be resolved. Moreover, the program will continue to make the seniors feel as if they are a part of the community. Therefore, when it comes to being on the ball with a community, it seems that the Morningside Village program has been the correct one.
Irene Zola
