Celebrating the Young at Heart

Age is only a state of mind.

That was the overall feeling at the Sandel Senior Center on July 30, as it hosted a celebration for its 90-year-old members, who danced to classic Sinatra tunes and ate ice cream sundaes.

Around 25 of the center's 90-year-old members attended the party, and each wore a red carnation on their lapel to signify being a guest of honor. Program Coordinator Kathe Hardenburgh said some of the seniors have been members for more than 20 years, and it helps keep them young. "They inspire us all," Hardenburgh said. "We believe that them coming here is part of their longevity."

Cathy Graziano, 87, was there celebrating with her 92-year-old husband, Michael, and said the two married seven years ago, even though they're older than most newlyweds. "We thought we were crazy!" she said about getting married. "But we had a goal and we're going to make it to 100!"

Michael, who is a retired construction supervisor, said the key to staying young is working hard and staying happy. Cathy helps with the latter. "I saw her from across a crowded room, and knew that's what I wanted," he said.

Sid Levitt, 90, agreed that good companionship goes a long way. "I got a good wife," he said on how he stays young. Levitt's been married to his wife, Lillian, for 60 years.

Dianne Scaturro-Lavan was there celebrating with her 92-year-old father, Peter, and said her father told her the key to living a long life is not letting things hold you back, and always staying on the move. Peter, however, had a different take. "I just love to sing," he said. "I used to sing in a barbershop quarter, and I still sing to this day."

Other members, like Edith Weisman and Dolly Cheser, both 92, said they like to keep busy, and that helps them stay young at heart. "I feel great," Cheser said. "I play mahjong, go to theater and drive when I can."

Longtime Rockville Centre resident Muriel Karp, who owned Karp Volvo on Sunrise Highway before giving the business to her son, said she keeps the right state of mind, and after that, everything else falls into place. "My attitude is always positive," Karp said. "I don't believe in anything negative."