This June is a bittersweet month for us at the Cohoes Senior Center.  Celeste Stephanowsk is retiring after 24 years of service.  Her last day will be June 30th.  Celeste is responsible for running the Social Adult Day Care Program, Caregiver Support Services, Transportation, and many other programs here at the Senior Center.  She has been instrumental in establishing a model program for Social Adult Day Care not only in Cohoes, but the surrounding area.

In my time here, I have seen Celeste as someone that always moves forward with the best interests of the seniors we serve in mind.  You can’t  train a person to do that.  It is in their character.

As the Director, it is important that my direction comes from the people I work with.  Each of us brings our own strengths to the table, and the staff that regularly work with and give of themselves to their clients have a lot to teach.  It has a been a pleasure learning from Celeste.  I know that each of us at the Center has gained from her experience, compassion, and wisdom.  She makes a mean potato salad for our hot dog roasts too.

We have found a new person that will hopefully pick up where Celeste leaves off.  His name is Steve Hendrickson.  We’ll have more about Steve in the summer issue.  I am confident that he will bring his own strengths and energy to the table that will only compliment the great work Celeste has done over the years.  We are fortunate that he and Celeste will have the opportunity to work together for a few weeks before Celeste officially retires so the transition is as smooth as possible

The Senior Center will be having a retirement party for Celeste on Wednesday, July 1st at 5 PM at the Senior Center.  There will be hors d’oeuvres and drinks.  Guest are encouraged to come to celebrate with us.  We ask that people call us by Monday June 29th.We are all happy for Celeste, and wish her the best of luck on this next phase of her life.  It is a well deserved retirement.

Keith Hornbrook
Executive Director

A 50 plus membership category enables people to participate in any center activity that does not have a federal or state age requirement.

The Center's programs and services are partially funded by The NYS Office for Aging and The Albany County Department for Aging.