Senior (Life)Style with Eileen O’Brien

Let me say for the record that A LOT of folks read the Rockland County Times! So I should not have been surprised at readers stopping me in my travels asking me to give them a hint of what the content of my future columns would be. Well here goes…. a mix of Dear Abby, Erma Bombeck, Andy Rooney, Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Martha Stewart with a dash of good restaurant tips sans home decor ideas, and finally the beloved local Rockland legend John R. Maloney, whose magical sense of humor kept me smiling for years. 

I have to admit that some of my best thinking is done when I am indulging in my creature comforts; namely, having my nails done. My nail technician’s name is Maggie and I have been cared for by her for 15 years. I now happily look at pics of her two beautiful granddaughters and wonder where all the years have gone! But then I look around my oasis and reality breaks through in terms of everyone in the salon looking at their phones and not interacting or noticing any other human around them. I have been observing this phenomenon in the grocery store, the pharmacies, the Doctor’s offices, the libraries and the restaurants I frequent. Everywhere, anywhere, all at once, seniors are joining in and becoming disconnected from in-person human contact. Having just read that recent research studies show that chronic stress and isolation are very powerful factors in cognitive decline and that one interaction a day such as an in person chat with a friend, family member or even a stranger can reduce social isolation and stress got me thinking. 

Back we go to the nail salon and a meeting I witnessed of Joan, a widow in her 70s and Alex, a young woman in her 20s, both complete strangers to the other and both waiting for their nails to dry. A smile, a nod, eye contact, a comment and the isolation was broken. Joan and Alex’s conversation was off to the races as they covered every topic from education, jobs, hobbies, places they had lived, family, children, grandchildren, animals, music, hopes for the future. Nails dried and hugs exchanged they bid each other adieu with the promise that they would meet again at this salon. It was at this point that I interrupted and sheepishly admitted to these two women that I had been watching and eavesdropping during their entire exchange. I admitted that it was a real “Steel Magnolias” moment for me, and both ladies agreed. Definitely view the “Steel Magnolias” play or movie if you ever have the opportunity.

So with September upon us, let’s see how we can start to make some true In Person connections and contacts. 

First on my list is the Orangetown Museum & Archives Exhibit, “From Democracy To Disco – 1776-1976”. Now, if you are interested in a unique Saturday event at this venue you should immediately sign up for the Saturday, September 20th “Yoga at the Museum” Event which is being sponsored by the Museum and the Orangeburg Library.  (Full disclosure for my readers that I am on the Board of the Friends of the Orangetown  Museum and Archives). Contact either of these two wonderful organizations by phone or e-mail either to secure your spot and register. If you can’t make this event, call and find out the hours that the museum is open for visitors. The Museum Director is Mary Cardenas and the museum’s address is 196 Chief Bill Harris Way, Orangeburg, N. Y. The phone number of the museum is: (845)398-1302. Orangeburg Library registration by phone is (845) 359-2244 ext. 10.

Since we will all be celebrating the USA’s 250th Anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in the upcoming year of 2026, it’s strongly suggested that you visit The Historical Society of Rockland County’s current exhibit “Home Grown: A History of Farming in Rockland County”. The exhibit runs through October 2025 and the museum is open on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. HSR Director is Susan Deeks and the HSR is located at 20 Zukor Road, New City, N. Y. 10956.  The phone number is (845)-634-9629.

In addition to the exhibit, HSR runs bus trips to historical treasures too beautiful, meaningful and interesting  to miss.  And then………DRUM ROLL!!!!!…….There is the Historical House Tour of “TAPPANTOWN” which is being presented by The Tappantown Historical Society & The Historical Society of Rockland County on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m.  – 4:00 p.m. For details E-mail:info@rocklandhistory.org.

Now onto Rockland’s best kept secret, the Clarkstown Community Learning Center! This hidden gem is located at 9 Lake Road, Congers N. Y. 10920. CLC’s Director is Marion Arbuco, and the phone number is (845)-639-5628. This jewel of a place offers courses on every imaginable interest or skill that you have ever thought or dreamed about! Even better, many of the offerings include a 20% discount for senior citizens 60 years of age or older. Having attended a number of different events at CLC over the years, I can personally attest to the quality, friendliness and uplifting vibe of this organization.

So now it’s YOUR TURN! In the August column of “SENIOR STYLE,” it was indicated that this column is for you, by you, about you to inform, educate, inspire, entertain and learn from you… So let’s hear from you! All comments, tips, insights, areas of interest or concern to you as a Rockland County Senior are welcome. Just send your thoughts to my boss Sierra at the Rockland County Times, 119 Main Street, Nanuet, New York 10954 and she will forward whatever you send to me.

Until October, I’ll leave you with two wise sayings to contemplate: “You must do things you think you cannot do.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) and “The world is filled with nice people. If you can’t find one, be one.” (Anonymous)

HAPPY AUTUMN!!!!!! Pumpkin time will be here before we know it!!

EILEEN O’BRIEN

SENIOR STYLE COLUMNIST