Joe Tamargo

[PortWine]

I paid a visit to Joe today in the nursing facility in Flushing, NY this afternoon.  It was one of the more sureal experiences of the day.

The facility is nice and does not seem to be your average sad drab nursing home affair.  Joe was actually not in his room when I arrived but in the recreation room.  I was told to head toward the music.  The aide wanted to announce my presence and I was forced to tell her my name was PortWine!  That got an odd look.

When I opened the door to the room there were about 50 senior citizens signing Karyoke with Joe singing the loudest!  And although a room full of senior citizens is always a lot of fun, Joe and I retired outside and sat down on a bench.

Aside from the loss of his leg Joe retains his dry sense of humor and looks a lot better than I would have imagined for a guy who lost his leg not too long ago.  As a testement to Joe it seems that everyone in the place says hello to him as they pass him by.

We talked for a while about various things and when I offered to take down a message to post on fibs he said "not at this time".  He merely wanted to talk and not give a speech.  Fibs and backgammon did not occupy a great deal of our conversation but toward the end we did talk a little about different people's personality's etc. and laugh about it.

Joe should be getting his computer shortly and will get a phone at that point.  I think he could use help as he is on disability right now which doesn;t pay much.  He would probably appreciate a contribution toward his phone bill, so anyone who can should feel free to send him a check at the address listed in the other Joe Tamargo link.  Disability and social security does not pay alot.

My visit with Joe lasted about an hour, which is too bad because he is a very interesting guy to talk to.  He mentioned by name everyone who called him and mentioned that he also received a card from don.  I think he would welcome more calls and interaction with people and think it will be a little easier for him once he has a phone in his room.

It also appeared that Joe would appreciate a visit from any of the NY area fibsters.  So if you find yourself near Flushing, you should look Joe up.  The facility is located a stones throw off of Northern Blvd. and about 2 miles east of the Van Wycke.  Not difficult to get to at all.

PW

[resh_lakish]

Bravo Portwine! What a great thing to do.  

[spielberg]

For any (like me) too far from NY to visit drop Joe a postcard to:

Joe Tamargo,
Flushing Manor Nursing Home
3515 Parsons Boulevard
Flushing, NY  11354
USA


(I hope this is OK webrunner - snail mail addresses are allowed arent they?)

[diane]

I would hope so in this case - since it isnt a home address!

[webrunner]

I figured that out