“On January 18, 2021, Carter Burden Network celebrated its 50th anniversary as an aging services provider!” wrote executive director Bill Dionne. He penned an open letter to the community.
By David Stone
Even in this city of 8 million people, it’s easy for seniors to feel invisible, vulnerable, and isolated. At the Carter Burden Network, we fight these challenges with love and belonging through our quality programs and services. Aging in New York City can be a challenge. Feeling loved and inspired should never be.
William Dionne/Executive Director, The Carter Burden Network
Nearly five years ago, I met Dionne when he visited the newly opened CBN Senior Center on Roosevelt Island.
I remember it clearly because he reacted seriously when I answered his question, telling him the (free) coffee his group served “sucked.” For me, it was off the cuff, but for Bill Dionne, it was serious business.
That’s his thing, one of them, a passion for excellence. Right down to the coffee.
The legacy and making a home…
Since then, I watched and reported as CBN grew roots in the community, growing senior participation and becoming a fixture.
That was all good, and a pleasure to watch and take part in.
But what brought it home for me was learning about Carter Burden, the singular, caring man who virtually invented the idea of a senior center in New York City.
Here’s his story, but it wouldn’t be complete without the group that’s kept the legacy rolling for five full decades.
Latest from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
New York legislative session ends with finger-pointing over missed opportunities
By Steve Bittenbender | The Center Square contributor/June 11th, 2021 (The Center Square) – The New York Legislature ended its 2021 session early Friday morning on a whimper and not a bang, with some groups frustrated over what lawmakers failed to accomplish in the final days. Among the items left uncrossed on the to-do list
Ready to Make Choices? Ranked Choice Voting Is Here Now… for Pizza
Ranked choice voting comes to New York for the first time, this year, but it’s not just about politics. Mayor Bill de Blasio, also, announced a contest for the best pizza toppings. By David Stone Roosevelt Island Daily News Ranked Choice Voting and the Pizza Challenge Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chief Democracy Officer Laura
Listen up, New Yorkers! Ranked Choice Early Voting Starts June 12th
Matt Richards has something serious to say about ranked choice early voting. And he’s got a captive audience. We thank reader Sylvan Klein for the heads up. Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily davidstone1313 See author's posts
