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Smithtown Senior Center

Pictured from left, Senior Citizens Dept. Director Doreen Perrino, Christopher Okrent, Kevin Morrow, Mary Hyland (Senior Center Staff). Photo from Town of Smithtown

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.

The Angel Tree. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown

The Smithtown Senior Center, 420 Middle Country Road Smithtown organized and collected over $2000.00 in gift cards to donate to The Angels of Kings Park, in time for the holiday season. The 501c3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to local families and individuals who have experienced hardships. Additional Gift cards were given to the Northport VA Hospital.

Doreen Perrino, Director of the Smithtown Senior Center, and MaryAnn Jacoutot, Senior Citizens Program Supervisor, organized the fundraiser. The tree, known throughout the center as the Angel Tree, is beautifully decorated, adorning angel ornaments with written suggested dollar amounts for various gift cards participants could select from such as  Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more. Members of the Senior Center and the staff generously participated in this special initiative.

“It is our hope that the donations will allow families to create memories that will last them a lifetime. Our seniors and staff are very generous, and they simply want to help others. Instead of buying gifts for one another, we are giving the gift of caring for those in need. It gives us great joy to provide a sense of hope to others this Holiday Season,” said Perrino.

Perrino and  Jacoutot, along with Lynn and Stewart Meyers, Cathy Morgano, and Susan Montigny from Club Moriches, presented the assortment of gift cards to the Angels of Kings Park Board members, Danielle Calabria, Jacqueline Clancy, and Kathleen Lanese. The collection exceeded the amount donated last year.

The Smithtown Senior Center also donates handmade quilts, blankets, baby hats, prayer shawls, and greeting cards to many local hospitals, shelters, group homes, and nursing homes throughout the year to let those who may feel forgotten know that there is always someone who cares.

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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.

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.

 

METRO photo

Smithtown’s seniors in need of minor household repairs can contact the Town of Smithtown Senior Citizens Department to take advantage of the Residential Repair Program. In addition to a series of other household assistance services available to senior citizens, the repair program allows individuals over the age of 60 to save money while maintaining independence longer.

“This is an outstanding service for residents, especially for residents living on a retirement or pension. There is no cost for labor, as you only cover the cost of any parts or materials needed for the repair. Our team of trained professionals are thoroughly vetted, friendly and trusted employees who genuinely love helping our senior community. If you are looking to help out a parent, or you are over the age 60 and have a few minor repairs around the house that need to be taken care of, I would highly recommend calling the Senior Center to schedule a service call,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The Residential Repair Program provides assistance for tasks that do not require the skills of a licensed craftsman. The Town of Smithtown employs a crew of experienced maintenance personnel who can provide a variety of minor home repair services to senior citizens.

Services can include repairs to leaky faucets, running toilets, replacing light fixtures or hard to reach light bulbs, security and home safety features such as lock replacement, replacing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and installing bathroom grab bars or indoor railings.

Residential Repair Services: 

  1. Plumbing
  • Replacing washers or faucets for kitchen sinks, wash basins and tubs
  • Clearing clogged sinks
  • Repairing toilet tanks
  1. Electrical
  • Repairing or rewiring lamps and frayed cords
  • Replacing light switches, receptacles or fuses where accessible
  • No appliance repairs (with the exception of water hose connections)
  1. Carpentry
  • Installation of grab bars, safety rails, and handrails
  • Minor repairs to doors, floors, house trim, etc.
  • Installation of shelves and curtain rods
  1. Interior Painting – Primer only
  • No cosmetic work
  • Ceilings where water or structural damage has occurred
  • Patching walls and ceilings
  1. Weatherization
  • Caulking and weather stripping of windows and doors
  1. Exterior Services (WEATHER PERMITTING)
  • Minor patching of concrete, walkways and masonry foundations
  • Clean gutters and drains (Single Story Homes ONLY!)
  1. Crime Prevention & Safety
  • Installation of door and window locks
  • Installation of door viewers (peepholes)
  • Installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
  1. Miscellaneous Service
  • Installation or removal of storm windows and screens
  • Repairing of screens

Additional minor repairs must be assessed and receive prior approval from the Senior Center.

Town of Smithtown residents are eligible for the Residential Repair Program if they are homeowners or renters aged 60 and over. There are no labor fees for this program. Clients must either provide or pay for the materials required for each job. Repair requests will be serviced in the order they are received. Jobs requesting the installation of safety equipment will be given first priority. Funding for this program is provided by the New York State Office for the Aging, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Smithtown.

Tipping is not permitted. Recipients will be given the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to the program.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Contact the Smithtown Senior Center at 631-360-7616 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

An assessment of the job may be needed to estimate work and cost of materials. Eligible clients can choose to provide or pay for materials. Checks or credit cards not accepted.

For further information regarding this and other senior programs, contact the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department at (631)360-7616.