White Plains' Kingsley House Relishes Coffee Hour

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Zulema Galluzzo joined two dozen women in the Kingsley House's community room Friday afternoon, where coffee was flowing, conversation was abundant and seniors enjoyed an extensive dessert buffet.

"It's good to pass the time, especially when it's so hot," said Galluzzo, who has lived in the 41 Barker Ave. senior home for almost 15 years. "Sometimes we have potlucks and have all kinds of foods. We try to collect some money because we don't pay dues or anything."

Galluzzo, who regularly goes to coffee hours and other fundraisers, said it is important to support the tenant’s association, which has helped keep the state from raising rent and organized a slew of resident activities.

One of three tenant association founders, Sandra Garrett, said the organization is working on getting automatic doors for handicapped residents.

“It started as a business organization to keep the rent low and then what we saw was a need for more social events,” Garrett said of the four-year-old tenant’s association. “We have tag sales, knitting club, movie nights and we put benches and tables outside in the courtyard for people to relax.”

Garrett said many at Kingsley, including gardeners including Zulema Galluzzo, “never believed in living someplace without contributing.”

During the summer heat, Galluzzo waters about 10 residents’ plots in the evening. Though Galluzzo worries that “everything is dying” from the hot spell, she’s harvested basil, thyme, zucchini and lettuce from her plot. 

How has your garden weathered the hot spell? Are you concerned about your plants? Email thoughts to strangle@thedailywhiteplains.com and we'll include your responses in future coverage.

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