In honor of National Hamburger Day today, the Stamford Senior Center offered a complimentary drive-through grab-and-go burger lunch for its members, and members of the Church of Archangels Senior Group.
The lunch, dubbed a ‘Burger Dash,’ was provided to approximately 150 seniors, and was held at the Church of Archangels in Stamford. Seniors remained in their cars as they picked up a bagged lunch containing a freshly grilled hamburger, chips, cookies and water. The event was a welcome opportunity for seniors to connect with pals, even by distance.
“It’s wonderful, I get a nice lunch, I don’t have to cook and I get to see my friends,” said member Pauline Houser.
The Stamford Senior Center has been closed since March 12th to help protect members from potential exposure to COVID-19. Since that time, the organization has delivered prepared meals and bags of groceries weekly to over 100 seniors, helping them to stay out of stores during the pandemic.
“Stamford Senior Center is so generous to us,” said 80-year-old Avelina Qua of Stamford who has been a member for over 20 years. “This lunch is a big help, and the prepared meals they provide to me is the best thing; I don’t need to go to the grocery store.”
“While the Stamford Senior Center itself continues to be closed for on-site programs, we are working hard to meet the needs of our members by creating a senior center without walls,” said executive director Christina Crain. “Today’s event is a fun bonding occasion; an opportunity for our members to remain connected to their community.”
“During this pandemic we’re taking steps to keep our members involved. Our weekly classes have moved online and we’re trying to keep them virtually connected to reduce the risks of social isolation,” said Crain. “We want to thank Fr. Harry Pappas and the Parish Council of The
Archangels Church for their generous hospitality in helping to make today’s event possible.”
Additional socially distant events are planned throughout the summer to keep the organization’s members engaged, including a hot dog celebration on National Hot Dog Day and an ice cream social in August.
The Stamford Senior Center is a nonprofit, non-sectarian organization established in 1996 to help serve the needs of Stamford's older adult population. The organization provides affordable opportunities for older adults in the greater Stamford area to be active and healthy in mind and body and remain connected to their community in a welcoming, safe and diverse environment. To learn more, visit www.stamfordseniorct.org or call 203-977-5151.