Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Star Of Queens

Our very own Cynthia Groopman

May 31, 2007

Cynthia Groopman
Volunteer at the Peter Dellamonica Senior Center


Long Island City

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: After losing her eyesight in an accident, Groopman began volunteering at the Peter Dellamonica Senior Center, and reached the mark of 17,000 hours of service over the course of 16 years in March. Five days-per-week, Groopman arrives at the senior center at 9:30 a.m. and stays until 4 p.m. She teaches English as a Second Language (ESL), exercise, citizenship classes and leads discussions on current events, nostalgia and good times. After arriving home each night, Groopman calls homebound, Meals-On-Wheels recipients to see how they are doing and talk with them. Called the “Sunshine Lady” at the Center, Groopman constantly wears a smile. “Nineteen years ago, I lost my eyesight in an accident,” she said. “I wanted a sense of purpose to show others that people with disabilities could make a difference.”

PERSONAL: A former teacher and city employee, Groopman is also a published writer and poet. She uses a computer program that reads websites aloud, allowing her to surf the net at night, and to read, and write letters to local newspapers. The machine allows her to type out the senior citizen center’s newsletter from her apartment in Long Island City.

JOB: Groopman’s work at the senior center and with several local community groups, including the 114th Precinct Community Observation Patrol (Civ-Op) and her synagogue, the Astoria Center of Israel, is voluntary.

PROUDEST MOMENT: Last year, when Groopman called a homebound senior, she realized that the man had accidentally removed his dialysis medication and needed emergency medical help. So Groopman called 9-1-1, and an ambulance arrived shortly afterward. “His life was saved,” Groopman said.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: For Groopman who speaks only English, teaching classes to new immigrants provides her with the biggest challenge. “There are many people that I teach English to that speak Spanish. Some are from South America, some are from China, some are from Bangladesh,” Groopman said.

FAVORITE MEMORY: In 2004, a 69-year-old woman from El Salvador came into the senior center and spoke not a word of English, Groopman said. Through classes and practice, the woman was able to apply for and earn her citizenship status in 2005. “Imagine being a new American at 74-years-old,” Groopman said, proudly.

INSPIRATION: “My inspiration would be my parents, who asked me to be kind to people,” Groopman said, also listing her faith in God as providing her with the stamina and courage to go out and meet new people every day. “I like to make a difference in people’s lives; I like to make people feel happy. I believe that when you make other people happy you make yourself happy as well,” she said.