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More than 200 guests gathered for cocktails and conversation on May 3 while mentalist Oz Pearlman circled the room, astounding small groups as he seemed to read their thoughts.
The event was co-chaired by Carol Godfrey and Tracy Lilly, ably assisted by Working Committee members Pippa Colvin, Catherine Hartnett, Lansing Martinelli, Lisa Sargent, Marlissa Westerfield, Nancy Whitney, Executive Director Julie Dalton and Member & Volunteer Services Coordinator Kathryn Urbina.
The high point of the evening was the presentation of the J. Rockhill Gray Memorial Award to Ellen and Pierre de Saint Phalle, in recognition of their service to the community during the 20 years they have lived in Bronxville.
The award was presented by Kerry Walsh, president of the board of directors of Gramatan Village. Gramatan Village Executive Director Julie Dalton gave vignettes of three Gramatan Village members, highlighting the many different ways that Gramatan Village empowers older neighbors to age in place within a caring and supportive community.
Gramatan Village member (as well as member of the board) Barbara White told her personal story of becoming panicky after her recent knee replacement when she realized she had no way to get back into New York City for a six-week checkup.
Gramatan Village was able to provide a volunteer (who happened to be one of her former students at the Bronxville School) to drive her to and from her appointment. White’s story brought home the message that “you are never too young to join Gramatan Village.”
Pearlman then took the stage and proceeded to involve many in the audience in his unique blend of mentalism, magic and sleight of hand, leaving them laughing and amazed, and echoing “how did he do that” as they made their way out the door.
Gramatan Village is an innovative membership organization that supports older adults who want to age in the home and neighborhood that they love. They support aging-in-community with a network of volunteers, experts, professional referrals and peer connections that enable members to stay independent, vital and fully engaged as they grow older.
For more information call (914)-337-1338 or online at www.gramatanvillage.org.
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