Each year, our Good Neighbor Awards honor some of the dedicated neighbors. They volunteer their time to help seniors and people with disabilities get the resources and support they need to age and thrive in their own homes and neighborhoods. We are delighted to honor Christine as our 2020 Good Neighbor Honoree for Cayuga.
Christine Arenas’ last seven years of retirement have been richer and healthier thanks to activities with us and the relationships she’s built here.
She’s participated in the exercise class three days a week and tried chair yoga, dance classes and Tai Chi. She’s made many good friends and even brought her mother-in-law to join so that the whole family could benefit!
Christine loved learning from real authors and poets in the Litquake classes, In addition, she shared stories with friends in the memoir writing class.
She spent most of her life in this neighborhood — 44 years living in the house her grandparents bought in 1936. In recent years, she’s enjoyed seeing the program grow to include arts and crafts classes, holiday and birthday parties, health and safety classes and field trips.
Members of this community inspire Christine and give her many reasons to show gratitude for having it in her life, especially during this pandemic. And she’s proud to introduce her grandchildren to ways to give to their community and see they get so much in return.
Two of her grandchildren — Sofia, 6, and Ella, 4 — often join the Wednesday Wave parade. They too spread a little joy to those staying at home.