46 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2014 BODY & SOUL Story By Hayley Bridgewater Investing in the Strength of ou r Senio rs Sunnysid e Community Servic es and One Very Speci al Teacher City dwellers know that the walkability of a neighborhood is paramount when choosing where to live. Owning a vehicle is not the norm— and let’s face it, sometimes our feet are far more reliable than public transportation. It is very common for residents in Western Queens to walk to work, school, running errands, and meeting appointments. And let’s not even get started on how much we have to haul with us everywhere. I sometimes joke to my friends in the Midwest that New Yorkers have to work out just to be able to live their lives. And although that is a bit of an extreme statement, there is some truth in it. But what happens when we age in our city neighborhoods, especially to those without family and friends close by? Are we paying attention and devoting time and resources to the men and women who spent their lives growing our communities? Programs devoted to our seniors that keep the body, mind, and soul strong are essential to the fabric of our neighborhoods. Because the seniors in my own neighborhood consistently inspire me, I was particularly interested in highlighting a local Senior Service Center and a Fitness Professional devoted to the needs of this demographic. Stephanie Vartanian, Astoria based dance and fitness instructor, is one such individual, dedicated and enthusiastic about influencing—and being influenced by—the senior community in and around Queens.
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