In the Rockaways, on a rather busy street near Cross Bay Veterans Bridge, is where this diminutive building calls home. The entry is marked by a beige terrazzo floor, exposed brick wall and fluorescent fixtures. Adjacent, the large activity room imparts a tropical ambience with its large mural of palm trees. Mauve and pink fabric chairs on one side of the room and blue vinyl chairs on the other create an eye-catching division. Innumerable plants dot the interior. Bright floral wallpaper and colorful curtains give residents’ rooms a vibrant feel. The dark wood furnishings are more understated. The enormous dining room is punctuated by blue and white chairs. One end of the room features a snack bar and vending machines. On our visit, music played softly in the background. The menu lists strictly American cuisine. Several residents commented on the appeal of hot dogs and hamburgers. An all-day snack bar in the activity area offers coffee, soft drinks, and various snacks. Bright red picnic tables color the concrete patio on the second floor. A large overhang provides shade.
Activities like beading, needlepoint and other craft projects allow residents to express themselves creatively, while puzzles, table games, poker and movies provide entertainment. Opportunities for exercise, including excursions a few blocks away to the picturesque shoreline, are frequent. Residents also make regular trips to the nearby public library. During our visit, we noted that many residents and staff stopped by the director’s office for a chat. One friendly resident volunteered that the activities and food were excellent!
