The Gathering Place, Schoharie County’s site for senior activities, just went national.
NBC’s Today Show filmed a live segment at the Cobleskill center Monday, surprising Executive Director Kim Witkowski and energizing cheering senior citizens.
Run by the Schoharie County Council of Senior Citizens, The Gathering Place has become a multi-faceted site for seniors.
It offers classes in a range of subjects, music, exercise, field trips, computer advice, self help and more. This year, The Gathering Place hosted the Festival Farmers Market.
Ms. Witkowski and her staff put all of that together from the ground up––and in less than 18 months.
It was that kind of widespread activity that caused member Mary Harmon to write a letter nominating Ms. Witkowski to the Today Show, which was looking for someone “who made a difference in their community.”
Out of many nominations, Ms. Witkowski “was the one we picked,” said Today Show producer Dan Durkin.
“First we were one in 100, then one in 50,” said Liz Kosier, Activities and Events coordinator.
“We were so excited when we were on the short list.”
Before Monday’s event, Mr. Durkin interviewed Najam Razvi, a member of The Gathering Place and recently a board member.
He touted Ms. Witkowski’s talents in the interview and felt the same way Monday.
“It started with 100 members, then 200, 300, 400,” Mr. Razvi said. “Now we have over 700 members.
“You cannot increase any organization at that rate.”
Ms. Kosier agreed.
“I’m absolutely amazed at what Kim’s done, what Kim’s created here,” she said. “It’s a place for people to come together.”
Tof maintain the surprise on Monday, Monday, Ms. Kosier had Ms. Witkowski occupied by first helping a member repair a computer and then called to observe a line dance class.
About 30 seniors, hushed by the production crew, gathered outside, holding balloons and confetti and waiting to surprise Ms. Witkowski.
And she was.
“She was overwhelmed,” Ms. Kosier said.
Interviewed by Donna Farizan, Ms. Witkowski told of her passion for The Gathering Place.
“This place comes from my heart,” she said. “It was a vision that came to fruition. We try to do the best we can for everyone.”
In addition to having Ms. Witkowski on the show, the Today crew presented a $7,500 Wayfair gift certificate for The Gathering Place.