On a red-carpeted runway, to the sounds of the Arthur Miller Swingtime Ensemble, seniors from Magnolia Gardens senior residence in Westbury proudly modeled their hand-made finery at a fashion show and luncheon hosted by the Town of North Hempstead Department of Community Services Oct. 25.

The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate the success of the Magnolia Gardens Enrichment Program, initiated by Commissioner Anne P. Croce in February. "Socialization is as important to 'aging well' as nutrition and exercise," she explained. When it came to her attention that seniors living in the town's low income housing were often isolated in their apartments, Croce approached Supervisor May Newburger and requested that the town start a pilot program to better serve these seniors. "I was all too happy to give the 'go ahead' to this program," Newburger stated, "and I am pleased to report that, to date, it has surpassed all of our expectations."

Alice Hay, former employee of the Brooklyn Public Library, and a literacy volunteer for many years, was recruited as director of the Enrichment Program. She succeeded in enticing residents out of their apartments and into the vacant recreation room, where she involved them in many creative endeavors, including painting, sewing, quilting, knitting and various other crafts. "I told them I'm not into checkers and dominoes and playing cards," Hay said. "We're going to get busy and use our hands."

Under Hay's direction, the seniors learned to sew clothes for themselves and their grandchildren. Various organizations and individuals made contributions of sewing machines and fabric to the program, including Frank Castagna of the Americana in Manhasset, who was an especially generous benefactor.

Guests at the fashion show were treated to casseroles, pies and cakes that the seniors had prepared for lunch. The walls of the community room were decorated with the seniors' watercolor paintings, which had previously hung in the lobby of Town Hall. Many of their other crafts were also on display. Further entertainment was provided by "The Youth of Culture" of the Westbury Child and Family Guidance Association, and the Westbury Head-Start children from Grand Street School.

Hay said that she expected the Magnolia Gardens Enrichment Program to continue and flourish. "We all get along with each other and have a good time," she said. "By having the seniors come together and discover their hidden creative talents, their quality of life is enhanced and enriched."