Village of East Hills

On Thursday, August 23rd, the seniors in the Seniors Activities Committee in East Hills held another spectacular trip. According to chair Natalie Mansbach, the sold out trip featured two locations of great interest, including the Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark located in Hartford, Connecticut, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, which is just down the street. Mayor Koblenz again commended the program held by and for the seniors stating, "This is another exceptional trip which combines history with education and fun with camaraderie."

The first stop included a guided tour of the home of Mark Twain, where he and his family lived from 1874 to 1891. It was also where Twain lived when he wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. A stunning example of Picturesque Gothic architecture, the 25-room home features a dramatic grand hall with rare examples of Victorian decorative arts, a lush glass conservatory, a grand library and the handsome billiard room where Twain wrote his famous books. After completing the tour, the seniors enjoyed lunch at the Murasaki Café located in the ultra-modern Museum Visitors Center of the Mark Twain House.

The afternoon included a visit to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center exhibitions and the museum store. The seniors took a guided tour of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, a charming Victorian Gothic Revival home which boasts Victorian-style gardens, followed by a visit to the Katharine Seymour Day House, a grand mansion adjacent to the Stowe house. Harriet Beecher Stowe's best known novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852), changed forever how Americans viewed slavery, the system that treated people as property. It demanded that the United States deliver on the promise of freedom and equality, galvanized the abolition movement and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War. Uncle Tom's Cabin was a runaway best-seller and resonated with an international audience as both a protest novel and literary work.

Mark Twain House

Adventurous East Hills Seniors

Senator Martins Speaks to Seniors in East Hills

Once again, the Senior Activities Committee in East Hills had a sell out hit event. This time the Committee, led by Irwin Plotkin, and including Irving Chernofsky, Treasurer, Eileen Reed, Leah Fiterstein, Roz Goldenberg and Natalie Mansbach invited State Senator Jack Martins to speak on issues facing New York State and the senior population. For close to an hour and a half, Senator Martins addressed the concerns of the seniors, including taxes and other topical issues. The information session and question and answer period which followed received rave reviews. According to Deputy Mayor and Co-Supervising Trustee Manny Zuckerman "Everyone had a chance to raise the issues that were most important to them. It was an excellent forum chock filled with responsive and thoughtful answers from Senator Martins." At an earlier event over the summer which Senator Martins attended in East Hills,, Mayor Koblenz said that "Senator Martins had already established an excellent reputation as an outstanding lawmaker in Albany, and the Senator was open, accessible and willing to help our residents when asked." From the reaction of the audience, that tribute seemed both apparent and fitting.

Stately: New York State Senator Jack Martins addresses the Current Events Committee and guests at a recent meeting of the East Hills Senior Activities Committee

A Great Day: Deputy Mayor and Co-Supervising Trustee Manny Zuckerman is shown with, from left to right, Irwin Plotkin, Chair of the Senior Activities Committee and Senator Jack Martins who represents East Hills.

East Hills Seniors Hold Another Highly Successful Event

On Sunday, September 26, 2011, the Seniors Activity Committee held a brunch filled with entertainment, fun and frivolity. Close to 100 seniors celebrated the day with their friends and neighbors. "It was another overwhelming success" said Mayor Koblenz. The board which plans and implements each of the greatly successful events includes: Irwin Plotkin, Chairman, Irving Chernofsky, Treasurer, Eileen Reed, Leah Fiterstein, Roz Goldenberg and Natalie Mansbach. The upcoming events include an evening to see the Joan Rivers show with dinner on October 9th, and a trip to Philadelphia to visit the Jewish Museum on October 27, 2011.

Seniors in Masse Enjoy the Morning at the Village Theatre

Susan Winter, East Hills Resident and Favorite Entertainer Wows the Guests the Brunch

Tiffany Vase: $7,000, Seniors Activities Committee: Priceless

The seniors in East Hills have established a program which rivals any that exist with over 20 events each year and weekly bridge, Mahjong, current events, and book club meetings. The social events are almost endless.

Appraising Artifacts by Professionals at the Road Show Run by the Seniors Activities Committee

Deputy Mayor Manny Zuckerman, as Supervising Trustee, helps out at the Road Show. He is shown with the appraisers who set a value on items brought in by the seniors in East Hills

ANOTHER SENIOR SMASH SUCCESS!

The Senior Activities Committee, led by Irwin Plotkin and attended by Trustee Gary Leventhal and over 60 committee members and guests was another sell-out and a great Sunday morning. Mayor Koblenz said "the events just keep getting better and better. We are very proud of the work of this committee which rivals any program, anywhere." Shown from left to right are Nancy Shrehar, Millie Krefsky, Irwin Plotkin, chair, Gary Leventhal, Trustee, Eileen Reed, David Klein, Sidney Krefsky, (bottom row) Mai Plotkin, Beth Sympson, Bill Sympson, Bob Borshore, and Lily Borshore.

East Hills resident and "2009 Bistro Award Winner for Outstanding Vocalist," Susan Winter, wowed the guests at the senior luncheon held Sunday, September 13, 2009. The audience was treated to a spectacular performance for an hour which seemed liked seconds. Ms. Winter sang a popular selection of show tunes, including Frank Sinatra songs and even show tunes. Her ease of style, warm personality and smooth talented voice made the event a success.

More Senior Successes

At Halloween the Seniors held yet another highly successful event. Under the direction of Irwin Plotkin, and the committee chairmanship of Millie Krefsky, close to 100 senior residents and the entire Board of Trustees enjoyed a dinner dance filled with a full buffet and the finest comradeship. Besides the Mayor and entire Board of Trustees, Senator Craig Johnson and Legislator Wayne Wink also attended. Few, if any communities can boast of a program similar in size, interest and commitment. That was the reason, in fact, that Mayor Koblenz gave the first ever award of its kind for "Best Program of the Year" to the Seniors Activities Committee.

The history: The Senior Activities Committee commonly referred to as SAC, was formed by some mature residents who were more interested in playing Bridge than playing baseball or tennis. They started playing Bridge in the Senior Lounge and by doing so began to know each other. By late fall in 2006, it became clear that there was a large resident population of nearly 1400 out of the approximately 7,000 village residents. The Village helped to consolidate the thinking about our Seniors when it arranged for a Brunch at the Village Theater in early December which was partially sponsored by local merchants. This Brunch was a huge success with over 300 attendees.

Following this Brunch, Millie and Sidney Krefsky, Harold Schnitkin, Roz Goldenberg and Irwin Plotkin began the small group which became SAC. Our treasurer, Irving Chernofsky and Jack Sosne joined SAC in the early summer of 07 and rounded out our seven member committee. One of our early accomplishments was the publication of a monthly newsletter which was mailed to our resident seniors. We continue to publish it ten times a year, and each issue has details about upcoming events and a method for the seniors to respond to indicate their interest in the event. It is also the most frequent publication from the village. And it has the only box number in the village...Box 18...to which its mail can be directed. It is the common denominator in easing communication to and from seniors. We also have our own phone number so residents can call in if they have questions or comments.

In 2008 we have held a number of successful events which include bus trips and on the grounds entertainment such as the Square Dance and BBQ held in July. We had another Brunch in December 07 to celebrate a year of many activities which included bus trips to Foxwood Casino in Connecticut, a Winery in New Jersey, a dinner and show at the newest theater on Long Island in Northport, and a wonderful Halloween Party in our theater. We continued weekly games of Bridge and Mah Jong along with other activities such as a weekly current events session and women's groups. We also taught residents how to use computers and the end result was a lot of new friendships and just wonderful memories.

The year 2008 started out with something new by having Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen M. Rice speak at our Current Events session. We have since continued growing our activities and learning from the previous year, and all our efforts seem to result in our seniors making many new friends and having a good time. This year, at a recent brunch, NYS Director of Homeland Security, Michael Balboni, gave a fascinating recount of efforts to deter terrorism.

The events are so interesting and friendships are so meaningful that everyone involved has such warm feelings. The program, is as they say, not only a smash success, but a perfect ten.

Best Brunch with Balboni

The Seniors heard the difficulties and intricacies of protecting New York State and America from Homeland Security Czar, Michael Balboni. The former Senator who represented East Hills and surrounding communities shared the obstacles and complexities of fighting terror in a Democratic society.

The 2008 Halloween Party: The Best Party Ever!

Thanks to Irwin Plotkin, SAC Chairman and Millie Krefsky, Committee Chair the party of the century took place Halloween week. Dancing, Disguising, and Definite fun for everyone who took part in the perfect party.

Another Smash Success for the Seniors Activity Committee

Mayor Koblenz once again lauded the Senior Activities Committee led by Irwin Plotkin for their 2008 Annual Brunch. "Each time they hold a function it's another total, terrific success" Mayor Koblenz said. "We are all truly fortunate to have one of the best programs in any village anywhere" he stressed appreciatively. Over 100 "power-seniors" -age 60 and above - attended the brunch to launch the 2008 program. The new activities include trips to shows, gambling, bridge clubs, book clubs, computer and current event classes, and even discounts to local dinning. "New programs are being added almost daily" Chairman Irwin Plotkin said of the new exciting committee he is leading. The members of the community who lead the Senior Activities Committee and who are principally responsible for the success include: Irwin Plotkin, Chairman, Irving Chernofsky, Treasurer, Millie Krefsky, (a chief architect of the program), Sidney Krefsky, Roz Goldenberg, Harold Shnitkin, and Jack Sosne.

Power - Senior Brunch on Sunday, February 24, 2008

Chairman Irwin Plotkin with Supervising Trustee for Seniors and Deputy Mayor Linda Nathanson welcome the sold out group of guests.

Harold Shnitkin plays the piano and entertains. Harold has over a half-century of experience playing the piano and wowed everyone.

Senior Halloween Party an Absolute "Howell"

Irwin Plotkin Chairman of the Senior Program is shown with prominent senior leaders, Deputy Mayor Linda Nathanson, Trustee Peter Zuckerman and Trustee Gary Leventhal. The Senior Halloween Celebration was a great success!

Seniors Launch Program of Trips
With Great Foxwoods Success!

The Senior Program began its extensive list of planned activities and programs with a trip to Foxwoods in Connecticut. The reaction was overwhelming praise for the daylong event which ended with a cruise like ferry crossing of the Long Island Sounds. The next planned function is a dinner show and then the wine country in New Jersey. Mayor Koblenz said "The Senior Program is burgeoning and flourishing every day. It's leaders are to be commended, and we are delighted to see such unprecedented participation!"

Seniors Launch Major Program:
Held First Get-together & Brunch!

At the October Village Board Meeting the Mayor and Board approved a new program designed especially for Seniors who live in East Hills. Some Village residents have already begun to enjoy the activities, whether lectures on current events, playing cards or using the beautiful facilities at Village Hall.

But a successful program requires a team effort. The key to the program's success will be the widespread involvement of all the seniors in the East Hills. To gain the greatest involvement, a wide variety of exciting and diverse activities are being planned. Specifically they'll be book clubs, more bridge and card games, chess games, more current event sessions, computer activities and classes, trips to shows, a finance club, and even the production of a play at the Village Theatre. All ideas and all concepts are welcomed and will be considered.

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