by Ronald Derosa
Date published: 9/11/2008
Courtesy of: ©The Register Citizen 2008

TORRINGTON - An apple dessert contest, with special guest judge Mayor Ryan Bingham, was held at a local senior living home Tuesday in celebration of National Assisted Living Week.

Summerville at Litchfield Hills, an Emeritus Senior Living Community, hosted the event in which seniors from the home participated in the dessert consumption. Mayor Bingham, along with mayoral aide Stephen Nocera and Torrington Deputy Chief Michael Maniago, were the designated judges of the apple foods.

"I come here as often as I can and it's great to have such an opportunity to eat pie," said Bingham. "Now I'm full and wishing I had time to take a nap."

The desserts lined a table in one of the entry living rooms to Summerville, which included apple pies, apple cakes, apple brownies and apple strudel. Prizes were awarded to the best-judged entries, most of which were made by the staff of Summerville.

The event was one of the many this week to celebrate assisted living for both seniors and staff who help, said Susan Patrick, one of the coordinators.

"We also have a senior prom on Friday and a fashion show on Sunday," said Patrick, listing some of the events. "Last year we did a chili cook-off."

Apart from the pure enjoyment of holding the event, its focus was also on the importance of recognizing those in assisted living during this particular week.

"We celebrate the older Americans who are significant members of our community," said Bingham, reading from a proclamation. "This week we ask all citizens to recognize the contributions of seniors and the Summerville staff who help as they do."

The event was well received by the seniors as well as the staff of Summerville such as Executive Director Greg Dempsey. "We really appreciate Mayor Bingham and the other judges and the fact that they recognize our senior population of Torrington," said Dempsey.

After Bingham read the proclamation one particular senior, Herbert J. Ginsburg, stood up to personally congratulate him. "I admired you when you had the guts, imagination and inspiration to take on the job you have," Ginsburg said. "I hope you lead this country as you have lead here."

Bingham responded gratefully: "I think you'll make me cry."