City Councilwoman Linda Lee and Senator Leroy Comrie in collaboration with Queens Theatre hosted a live performance for seniors at the SNAP Senior Center in Queens Village on Friday, Sept. 23.
This was one of several premier events planned for Senior Appreciation month throughout Queens. Lyft, a ride-sharing service, provided over $5,000 in ride codes to SNAP, at 80-45 Winchester Blvd., for its clients that will help with travel to medical appointments, grocery access, and more.
The celebration included several song and dance performances by Antara Saha, Alfredo Colon, Karla Florez, and the Diddley Idols, in partnership with Queens Theatre, for approximately 80 seniors in attendance. Entering its 20th year, the monthlong arrangement of festivities began as Senior Day and later expanded to Senior Week and Senior Month as more offices from southeast Queens collaborated to host events.
“Seniors are the pillars of our community whose wisdom and guidance pave the way for the next generation to thrive, and they deserve the best we have to offer,” Lee said. “As we continue to emerge from the pandemic that forced us to isolate and lose contact with our loved ones, I am proud to join in and help put together enjoyable events for our seniors to participate in, so that we can show them our appreciation and how much they mean to our neighborhoods.”
Comrie and Lee expressed their gratitude to all partners involved in making the special occasion possible.
“Sharing music, dance, and joy animate the spirit that continues to make Senior Appreciation Month a vital part of our shared communities,” Comrie said.
Paola Miceli, CEO and president of Services Now for Adult Persons, said the organization was pleased and honored to host the event sponsored by Lee.
“Through Council member Lee’s generosity, many older adults are being given the opportunity to experience the talented Artists of Queens Theatre and benefit from the donations provided by LYFT,” Miceli said. “Councilmember Lee is a staunch supporter of older adult programs and services which aligns with SNAP’s mission to help seniors remain safe and well in the community. We look forward to continuing to work together on behalf of our Borough’s older residents.”
Richard Hinojosa, education director of the Queens Theatre, said they were very proud to be a part of the event celebrating seniors and are extremely grateful to Lee for her support, which enables the theatre to bring a high-quality performance program to SNAP senior center.
“Spotlighting the seniors who contribute so much to our community is an honor and a privilege,” Hinojosa said.
Larry Gallegos, who handles public engagement for Lyft’s New York Market, said the ride-sharing company understands how critical transportation is to everyday life, particularly in communities that have been historically underserved.
“A ride provides safe and reliable access to medical appointments, trips to the supermarket, or even to build community at events like this,” Gallegos said. We are thankful to Council Member Lee and Senator Comrie for allowing us to partner with them to provide thousands of dollars in ride codes for the older adults of the SNAP Senior Center,” Gallegos said.
