In honor of Senior Appreciation Month, State Assemblymember David Weprin (D-Richmond Hill, Fresh Meadows) and City Councilmember Barry Grodenchik (D-Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens, Queens Village) hosted a tour for seniors of the Queens County Farm Museum on Thursday morning.
The event was a welcomed change of pace at a time when senior citizens are largely stuck at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited opportunities to get out for fear of contracting the virus, some of the seniors who toured the farm said.
“You don’t have a lot of options for different entertainment theses days,” said Bruce Davidow. “No movies, no theater, no travel.”
They’ll occasionally drive out to Long Beach to see their friends, Davidow’s wife Elaine said. They get take out –– pizza, or deli sandwiches –– and eat them at the beach.
But otherwise, they’ve been trying to keep their distance.
“We’ve been avoiding mask-less people,” he said.
Marge and Frank Toner also welcome the distraction. They take advantage of any opportunity to get out and about, and go for regular walks, they said. On Thursday, their walk was the visit to Queens Farm. They eat out at restaurants but only those that have outdoor seating, they said. Even though restaurants will be allowed to serve indoors soon, they’ve opted out.
“It’s gonna be a long time for us to go indoors,” Marge said.
Suzanne Koste and her sister Sandy Koste turned the tour into a “sisters day.” The two women have lived in the area their whole lives but had never explored the farm as extensively as they were able to on Thursday.
“I think this is the most people I’ve seen in weeks,” said Suzanne, about the experience.
After the tour, the Koste sisters waited in the line for the farm stand. They were eyeing fresh radishes for their lunch.
“Melted butter, little salt,” said Suzanne. “That’s the only way.”
