An Abundance Of Apples

By Nancy K. Crevier

After half an hour of active tasting, judges Minerva Binaco, Gus Thanasoulis, and John Taggart were still smiling as they wiped away the crumbs. Ms Binaco, a Nunnawauk Meadows resident, Mr Thanasoulis, owner of Senior Helpers, and Mr Taggart, of Starion Energy, had volunteered to dig their forks into the entries of the Nunnawauk Meadows Apple Bake-Off, held Wednesday, November 17, in the community room of Nunnawauk Meadows.

The Apple Bake-Off, sponsored by Senior Helpers, a nonmedical senior assistance program in Sandy Hook, attracted 13 entries.

From Regina Raslavsky, came a Quick Apple Cake; from Dolares Bertola, Indian Apple Pudding; and from Margaret LoRusso, an Apple Cake. Bernice Stewart entered an Apple Crumb Pudding, Elisa DeLorenzo entered an Apple Dumpling with Cranberry Apple Sauce, Mary Kinzel, Grannie’s Apple Sauce, and Elaine Landau, an Apple Cake.

Apple Flan was Ella Klein’s entry. Helen Dalton entered Apple Crumble, Barbara Wadleigh entered an Apple Pie, Terry Pellicci entered Apple Strudel, Barbara Highton entered Grandma’s Apple Pie, and Bill Carlson, the only man entered in the  competition, had high hopes for his Apple Pie.

Nunnawauk residents seated at tables in the room watched attentively as, one by one, the judges deliberated over the entries, the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the air. Then, the tasting done, Senior Helper community relations coordinator Marie Sturdevant and Linda Schettino, president of Nunnawauk Meadows Residents’ Association, tallied the votes, and the results were announced.

Third place was awarded to Ella Klein, baker of the apple flan. A tie was declared for second place, as well as for first place. Winning ribbons and prizes for second were Marge LoRusso, for apple cake, and Helen Dalton, for apple crumble.

Tied for first were two of “Grandma’s” recipes: Barbara Highton, with Grandma’s Apple Pie, and Mary Kinsel for her Grannie’s Apple Sauce with a touch of cinnamon. Each received a gift and a ribbon.

All of those present in the audience ended up with an award, as well — the chance to savor the flavors of the contest and enjoy a cup of coffee afterward.

“I consider myself the winner,” declared Mr Thanasoulis, as he pushed back his chair from the table. “I got to taste all the entries!”

The Nunnawauk Meadows Apple Bake-Off is one of several bake-off, pumpkin decorating, luncheons, and ice cream socials that Senior Helpers has sponsored the past year at New Fairfield, Southbury, Monroe, Brookfield, and Newtown Senior Centers, at the former Homesteads in Newtown, now known as Maplewood at Newtown, and at Waterbury Hospital.

“Anytime you can offer the elderly something in which they can participate or socialize in, it’s a good thing,” said Mr Thanasoulis. “We try to mix things up, and go with suggestions from the seniors themselves, as to what they want,” he said, and programs like the Apple Bake-Off provide the kind of stimulation and opportunity for socialization that is vital to people as they age.

“I have a lot of relatives, myself, who are older now, so we are in this with our hearts,” Mr Thanasoulis said.  “My wife and I started Senior Helpers because we just want to give back.”

Senior Helpers is happy to work with any senior organization or facility in the region to promote events tailored to that group’s interests, said Mr Thanasoulis, by calling 203-304-1634.