Bedford Rec Department Holds Senior Art Exhibit at the Bedford Hills Community House

On Friday, January 20, the Bedford Recreation and Parks Department held a reception for seniors who have been taking part in the Arts and Crafts Studio. For 55 and over area residents, the art was proudly displayed on the walls of the Bedford Hills Community House and so were the smiles. That said, the gathering was pretty low key and commensurate with the basic curriculum at hand.

“Most of the seniors came for the simple pleasure of getting together and to just enjoy the class,” said Rosemary Vorel, who served as the class facilitator and is a local senior advocate.

Rebecca Cuba, on the other hand, gave a big time nod to the instigator for her devoted efforts. “We keep coming back because Rosemary is so cool,” beamed Cuba. “She is definitely our creative inspiration.”

Still, Cuba had her own personal push for making the grade and delivering the goods. “I like to think, I’ve been an artist my whole life,” said the long time Hawaii resident.

Moving in with her daughter a few years ago, the Bedford Hills resident got out of the class exactly what she put into it. “I felt my goal was reached,” said Cuba. “I kept my creative juices going strong.”

There’s also another important squeeze to the weekly get together. “I was hoping to meet new people in the area,” Cuba revealed without reservation.

Or in the case of Terry Chiola, the senior had no problem with the status quo and was primarily motivated to keep the good cheer in the family. “It’s fun to get out and do things with my daughter,” said Chiola, who definitely doesn’t describe herself as an artist.

In turn, Chiola was very appreciative of the town for providing people with the opportunity to have their spirits picked up, and her daughter Laurie Chiola agreed on both of those counts. Another non artist, Laurie was also happy to come across some fresh new faces. “It’s nice to meet neighbors here that I’ve never actually met before,” the dutiful daughter asserted.

As for Gina Shea, she’s been on both ends of the learning curve and the classroom experience. A long time teacher, she was definitely cool with this school and participated as a student and a facilitator. Doing oil painting in her free time, she lent her insight and inspiration. “I encouraged classmates to get at their creative side and lose themselves in the art,” Shea instructed. “Because there’s more to the world than all the circular thinking we do on a daily basis. So we need to eagerlt jump from our left brain stagnation and move to our right brain creativity.”

Mike Berardino definitely understood the sentiment and pared down the thought to suit the situation of himself and others. “I’m older, you need to be occupied, and you still need to have passions and interests,” said the Katonah resident.

So kudos were in order for everyone who took part in the joyful endeavor. “I congratulate everyone who challenged themselves to create and got themselves out there,” Vorel extolled.

In this, the advocate hopes for more of the same for the community. “We’re trying to draw seniors to the Parks and Rec Department,” said Vorel, and there are no limits based on ability.

And one final artist made it her part to deliver the overall message. “I enjoyed the class and would join again - even though I was so bad,” Helen Barrett of Bedford Hills concluded the afternoon

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