Smithtown Senior Citizen Center honored as the subject of member’s grandson’s college paper
The Smithtown Senior Citizen Center was recently the focus of a heartfelt and insightful college paper written by Christopher Okrent, a 25-year-old student at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue, majoring in Human Services. For his assignment, Christopher was tasked with studying and writing about an organization that provides social interaction, recreation, and essential services to those in need. Choosing the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center was a personal decision—Christopher had witnessed firsthand the positive impact the center had on his own grandparents.
“It was an incredible honor when Christopher asked to visit the center to gather information for his college paper. Christopher is such an outstanding young gentleman. He shared with staff member, Mary Hyland and myself that he is pursuing a career in Human Services because of his passion for helping people and doing good. I enjoyed reminiscing with him about his lovely Grandparents and how his Grandmother, Martha, was known around the center as the Wii Bowling Champion!” said Doreen Perrino, Director at the Smithtown Senior Center.
Christopher’s grandparents, Martha and Paul Okrent, were center patrons. After Paul’s passing, Martha Okrent found solace and companionship through the friendships she built at the center. Christopher recalls how much comfort the center provided to his grandmother, helping her navigate life after the loss of her beloved husband. According to Christopher, the friendships she made with the staff and senior center members helped her cope with her grief tremendously.
“This was wonderful news to learn of, although I’m not surprised. The team at the Smithtown Senior Center is more than just staff—they are family and they treat every member as their own kin. They know every member by name, remember their grandkids, favorite hobbies, and even the incredible stories from their past. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, reminiscing about cherished memories, or simply sharing a laugh over a cup of coffee, the staff goes above and beyond to create a warm and welcoming place where every senior feels valued, heard, and truly at home. I’m truly honored to congratulate Christopher and extend my deepest gratitude for highlighting the senior center in such a meaningful essay—one that will undoubtedly influence the next chapter of his life journey,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.
Chris and his brothers taught their Grandmother Martha how to play Nintendo Wii Bowling, and Martha was able to perfect her skills at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center. She quickly became a skilled player, frequently competing against her friend Kevin Morrow, whom she taught to play. While visiting the center for his assignment, Christopher had the opportunity to reconnect with Kevin, sharing fond memories of Martha. Kevin fondly recalled the friendly rivalry, never forgetting how often Martha bested him at Wii bowling. Martha was also an active book club member and enjoyed many lunches with friends at the center.
After his paper was turned in and graded, Christopher reunited with the team and the members at the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center along with his mother to announce that he got an A on the assignment. The Smithtown Senior Citizen Center remains a place of friendship, engagement, and support, and Christopher’s project serves as a testament to the lasting impact the center has on the lives of its members and their families.
How To Join the Smithtown Senior Center: Smithtown residents, ages 60 years and older can join (no fee is required) by filling out a brief application on-site, along with proof of residency such as a driver’s license. A membership card and welcome packet will be provided, along with a tour of the facility by a Senior Center Club Leader. The welcome packet includes a current calendar of activities, classes, and events, as well as brochures for services and amenities available exclusively for members.
Located at 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtonn, the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center offers a wide array of activities, clubs and programming geared towards improving quality of life for residents, ages 60 years or older. Every day, the center offers a full schedule of arts, fitness, and wellness programming. Members can choose to join a variety of clubs, from gardening, quilting and book clubs to one of seven social clubs, featuring Casino & Theater outings, luncheons, parties, community advocacy and volunteer opportunities. In addition to a wealth of entertaining programming, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department offers a variety of at home maintenance and repairs services.
The Senior Center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (July & August Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Lunch is served daily. Transportation is also available for members. For questions or additional information, please call (631) 360-7616 or for Transportation: (631) 265-8811.
