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11/16/2016 07:30 AMAnn Mancini worked at Talmadge Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for nearly three decades, working on recreation activities for the residents. Talmadge Park had always had a tradition of hosting a Holiday Fair and Ann enjoyed the event so much that she continued to volunteer to organize it even after she retired about seven years ago.
“They had the Christmas Fair since before I even started working there,” says Ann. “It was the main point of the year.”
Years ago, all of the items in the fair were made by the residents as Ann led activities and crafts throughout the year, but she noted that in recent years, many residents weren’t moving into the nursing center until they were much older.
“Family members are keeping their mother or father home with them longer now,” says Ann. “By the time they come here, a lot of their strength or hand-eye coordination for crafts isn’t there.”
Ann recalls leading many cooking demonstrations as well as baking dog biscuits for Animal Haven. Local artists also came to Talmadge Park to teach oil painting and other crafts.
“Because they aren’t able to do as many crafts now, we have outside vendors come in,” says Ann. “The Christmas Fair is something that residents look forward to for months. It’s like a big party and everyone is in that room so you mingle with everyone—it’s a nice, homey feeling.”
This year’s Holiday Fair is Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features outside vendors, an appearance by Santa Claus, crafts, baked goods, a tea cup auction, raffles, white elephant, and snack bar that will feature stuffed breads, soups, chili, and more.
“A lot of times, residents’ families will come and have lunch or coffee with them,” says Ann. “The residents enjoy the White Elephant room and buy little trinkets they could use or things to hang on their wall. You could buy gifts or tickets for different raffles or sit and have a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. It’s nice.”
All proceeds benefit Talmadge Park Resident Council, which is responsible for planning activities for the residents. In addition to craft programs, other events have included a magician and a pianist.
“Mary [Rosa] plans the programs for the year and what’s planned depends on what is made at Holiday Fair and other events,” says Ann. “You have to keep them occupied and get the residents out of their rooms. Recreation is great for everyone, not only the elderly.”
One of the reasons Ann stayed involved with Talmadge Park after retiring is the relationships she built with the residents over the years. She fondly remembers the cooking classes where residents reminisced and shared stories of their youth.
“I enjoyed that interaction and hearing the knowledge that they have,” says Ann. “I love to go there. You get to know the residents and just love them. It’s like seeing your grandmother.”
Ann volunteers at Talmadge Park once a month, but that isn’t the only place she gives her time. She remembers when she started volunteering in the community. Her oldest daughter was a baby and she answered an ad in the paper that said the Red Cross was seeking people to drive patients to doctor’s appointments.
She joined Our Lady of Pompeii with her husband John when they moved to East Haven about 60 years ago. Though he has since passed away, she is still active in the church, helping with the Ladies Guild and the Christmas Fair.
Ann has two daughters—Clorinda Cuomo, who lives in North Haven, and Danalisa Mancini Riccio, who lives in East Haven—and two great grandkids in North Haven. Ann volunteers at Montowese School in North Haven where one of her daughters teaches 5th grade.
For many years, Ann has also been crocheting hats that are donated to the homeless and to those in need. She is a member of the Riverdale Homemakers Club, which is made up of women in East Haven and Branford, and the group not only donates hats, but provides backpacks of supplies to students in need and supports Branford’s Community Dining Room.
“We help with whatever the Community Dining Room needs,” says Ann. “I just try to help wherever I could.”
Talmadge Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 38 Talmadge Avenue, East Haven, hosts its annual Holiday Fair on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features outside vendors, an appearance by Santa Claus, crafts, baked goods, a tea cup auction, raffles, white elephant, and snack bar. All proceeds benefit Talmadge Park Resident Council. For more information, call Mary Rosa at 203-469-2316.