Senior LifeStyle with Eileen O’Brien

As we’ve all come to consider, January is the month of recent beginnings and the ending of previous rituals or habits which can now not be productive in our lives.  A proverb that involves thoughts coping with this concept is: “What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year!” -Vern McLellan.

Lots of parents bounce on the gymnasium, weight loss program, weight reduction, or the media unplug practice. This happens solely to lead to purchaser’s regret, also called “guilt” when March rolls round. 

So let’s see if we will keep away from the guilt, uncover new pursuits alongside the best way, and expertise achievement and happiness for ourselves and probably others. 

Now to our second proverb, “The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot!” -Michael Altshuler

SENIOR CLUBS: We are very blessed in Rockland County to have many senior golf equipment obtainable to these of a sure age – wherever from 55 to 100 plus! But not all Senior Clubs are created equal by way of your explicit wants and needs. Let’s overview among the questions you ought to be asking your self earlier than you uncover the proper senior membership for you!

What is essentially the most handy day, time and size so that you can attend conferences recurrently? 

How handy is the drive to and from the membership for you? 

Is there ample and handy parking or public transportation drop off?

Are membership conferences weekly, bi-weekly, month-to-month? 

Is the membership sponsored by the Town, the County, a Religious group or is it extra Culturally aligned?

Age vary of the membership could be one thing you want to take into account.

Is the membership membership largely {couples}, singles – each men and women? 

Do the conferences meet your wants for socialization, mental stimulation, consolation, and simply plain enjoyable? 

Are membership journeys attention-grabbing to you by way of new experiences, enhance in data, shared reminiscences or is it the identical previous standard journeys to the casinos, all you may eat buffet, and the sinking feeling that you just misplaced extra to the one armed bandits  than you may afford? 

Have you completed your analysis with mates and neighbors concerning their experiences, each constructive and unfavourable, with golf equipment they’re concerned in? 

Now comes the third proverb, usually repeated by my late Dad, John Patrick O’Brien, “Trust but verify!” I can’t consider a single Senior Club in our part of the planet that doesn’t welcome potential members visiting as soon as, twice, thrice or possibly a fourth time to see if the senior shoe suits! You know that shoe that’s cozy, makes you be ok with your self, and that you just need to bounce into the very first thing within the day! No patrons remorse, no guilt… And lo and behold, you’ve discovered your excellent match and it’s solely March!                                                                                                                         

NON-PROFITS: No one wants me to remind them about how lucky the parents of Rockland are to have the variety of significant and mandatory organizations obtainable to us to make life sweeter for us, these we love, and people who will come after us. While these in “our golden years” can’t be concerned in every part, we will select to proceed to present again and be concerned in one thing. If you’re concerned with a gaggle, proceed that involvement, however keep in mind this can be a new 12 months and also you may simply need to unfold your wealth by way of time, expertise, cash or all three to a brand new group!  

Over the previous 12 months, CIVIC  ASSOCIATIONS have caught my consideration. Now for normal readers of this column, you’ll keep in mind how impressed I used to be with this system of essays about Veterans authored by the kids of Nanuet introduced by the “NANUET CIVIC ASSOCIATION” in November. I actually don’t know the way this group  accomplishes all they do, given the wants, needs and priorities of the various group of residents and companies they signify. Street festivals, cultural celebrations, vacation gatherings, this group quietly and expertly handles all of it!

Now the subsequent Civic Association which could be flying beneath your radar however you actually ought to learn about is the “HERITAGE OF WEST NYACK CIVIC ASSOCIATION.” 

Now in case you haven’t visited the West Nyack hamlet just lately, prepare for the shock of your life! The revitalization undertaking is nicely underway. Hey, it solely took twenty years of dogged efforts to actually get this undertaking on dry land. This Civic Association brings you the Strawberry Festival, Fall Fest, Tree Lighting and my all time favourite annual beautification undertaking spear headed by this group… The dedication baskets hung within the entrance of the West Nyack Post Office!  In spring and fall, ornamental baskets of colourful flowers and in winter, festive  vacation kissing balls beautify the Post Office. Community members should buy a basket for dedication to mates, members of the family (dwelling or deceased), and group organizations. Full disclosure, I’ve bought three for the winter season! It makes an unusual journey to the West Nyack Post Office  a remembrance of all we’ve to be thankful for. Now earlier than I overlook, this is identical group which can be the stewards of the Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen House, two of the various historic jewels that decision Clarkstown Home.

Now whereas I’m with reference to historic jewels, I might be remiss if I didn’t do a shout out to the “CONGER’S CIVIC ASSOCIATION,” advocates and protectors  of the Conger’s Train Station and champions of all issues of neighborhood significance and enchancment. This group continues to place out, on this author’s opinion, the most effective publication  within the County. As a member of this group, Conger’s Civic will mail their informative and important missive to you – Yes, you learn that proper! – A duplicate which you can digest over that morning cup of espresso earlier than you allow your own home to beat the world.

And, now a brand new discover for MY private investigation for the brand new 12 months… Drum roll! 

The “CENTRAL NYACK CIVIC ASSOCIATION!” As far as I can inform that is the primary Civic Association  that’s concerned with a backyard! This new backyard, which is positioned on the finish of West Broadway and Gillis Avenue, will present residents with the three “C’s”… Community Health, Connection, and Continuity to our agricultural roots. Not a nasty objective for 2026!

Now,  the fourth and ultimate proverb for this month is from a really clever man recognized to all…… “The beginning is the most important of the work!” – Plato

So get going!