Pretty Is, As Pretty Does

By Nancy K. Crevier

Winners for the Home Instead Senior Care of Sandy Hook/Trumbull Senior Makeover Contest were announced Thursday, May 27, at a reception at the Newtown Senior Center on Riverside Road.

Bea Piskura and Leonard Plude were chosen from several essay entries submitted earlier this month, explaining why a person could use a free senior makeover, said Home Instead owner Sharon Massafra. The contest, which has been held in previous years, as well, is intended to raise seniors’ self-esteem and provide them with information on skin care and other health issues that are particular to senior citizens.

Ms Massafra, who is also an independent consultant for Arbonne Swiss Skin Care Products, spoke briefly about the importance of hydration and proper cleansing and moisturizing of the aging skin, before Home Instead marketing director Lee Schultz announce the winners.

It is because of Ms Piskura’s qualities of a good and giving friend, who is very helpful, that a friend submitted the winning essay nominating her. “Bea will sometimes pick up friends and bring them to the Center, or shopping, or out to eat as a special surprise,” read one excerpt from the essay. Last week, wrote the friend, Ms Piskura picked up friends to visit another friend of theirs — for the very last time. She deserves the makeover, said the unidentified friend, “So she can feel better and keep on being a good friend.”

In accepting, Ms Piskura thanked everyone and reminded those present, “As long as we’re here, we should live it up.”

Leonard Plude was nominated as “a fun-loving person who doesn’t miss a thing.” A fan of the Big Bands, Mr Plude is devoted to friends and his wife of 58 years.

“This is quite a surprise to me,” said Mr Plude. “I wasn’t expecting this at all. It’s an honor,” he added.

Mr Plude and Ms Piskura each received a bouquet and a gift bag from Arbonne Swiss Skin Care, a $75 gift certificate to Kohl’s department store, and a free hair cut and style from Ricci’s Academy.

Refreshments by Sue Shapiro of Sue Chef in Sandy Hook were provided following the announcement of the contest winners.