Meet Your Neighbor: William Porter

"After 46 years in the field of healthcare I was being put out to pasture. I prepared myself for this day. I needed something to keep me out of mischief from 9am to about 3pm. I started to look up senior centers, and I found one near me: the Kew Gardens Community Center. The next morning, I was standing at the door before the Center opened. A lady approached me and asked if she could help me as she was opening the door. I introduced myself and said I was interested in being a part of the Center. She walked me in and asked if I could sit in her office while she made the morning coffee. I asked if I could go with her, ‘sure’, she said. I commented on her kitchen, and she asked if I would like a volunteer job making coffee in the morning. I agreed, saying that I like kitchens and doing things in them. That was the start of my journey at the Center. Over the years, I have been involved in exercise classes, chorus class, and art classes, but what I enjoy the most has been entertaining people by singing and cooking for the various holidays and community celebrations.

I used to dance a lot at the Center. I'd ask almost every woman to dance. Then I got in a car accident while I was on my bike. I continue to dance here though, only difference is now I dance from my chair. The Center has been my home and sanctuary now for over 12 years. My health is starting to fail me but not my mind. I still recall all the wonderful events we had here all these years. All the people, friends and acquaintances I have known and laughed with. I shall continue to come here to sing and take chair exercise classes. I have to give a special thanks to Karen who helped me when my legs gave out, finding a chair for me and making sure I was ok. Thanks, Karen, for all the help you've given me.”

– William Porter, Kew Gardens Community Center program participant