Inauguration Day—

(Not Quite) Just Another Day At The Senior Center

By Nancy K. Crevier

The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on January 20 may have brought Washington, D.C., to a frenzied state, but the mood at the Newtown Senior Center Tuesday morning was quite relaxed.

A table of card players continued to wheel and deal as the events of the day unfolded on a nearby television, and dancers slid and swayed in the exercise room for regularly scheduled line dancing. In the background, the rattle and clatter of food preparation went on as usual in the kitchen, and staff set up for the lunch crowd.

Just two members joined center assistant Pat Babbage in front of the television set during pre-swearing-in coverage. “This inauguration seems different,” said Frank Furz, settled into one of the arm chairs there. “Everybody’s hoping the economy will be better. The economy today is a lot worse than other years during the inauguration,” he noted.

Irene Eckert agreed that the inaugural ceremonies this year seemed a bit different from previous inaugural years. “I’m anxious to see how he comes out of this. I’m just wondering if he is up to his promises,” she wondered.

Phyllis Fives had one eye on the television as she watched the card players, and offered her thoughts on the inaugural day. “I think Barack Obama is going to be pretty good and there will be a change. Everybody has faith in him, so here’s hoping. Look at all the people who have come from all over to see this,” she said, gesturing at the television set. “This is a blast. Everybody’s looking for the same thing: all good to get out of this bad.”

Lee De Lucia paused from her work in the kitchen to add, “I think it’s wonderful. It’s part of history and I think that the new President will bring everyone together.”

Carmella Maturi had been watching the events since 6 am and said, “I’m enjoying today. I’m happy to see the transition. I think this President will help the seniors with health care and other concerns. It’s a great feeling.”

The card game dispersed when the President-elect and Vice President-elect appeared on the screen, and one by one, members and visitors pulled close the chairs.

“I can’t get over the amount of people, the millions of people there,” murmured Senior Center director Marilyn Place, receiving nods of agreement from those around her.

As the soon-to-be President approached the podium and solemnly swore his oath to office, a studied silence enveloped the room, a stillness that continued throughout the inaugural speech.

Then as if the President himself had dismissed them with his final words, the transfixed members rose as one and quickly returned to day to day activities.

“I thought the speech was terrific,” offered Florence DePalma. “I’m sure he’s going to make it.”

“It was a very strong speech,” said Ms Eckert, rising from her chair. “It sounded like he meant it. Maybe he’s a young man who can do it.”