Graziano family renovates Sandel Senior Center kitchen

Thanks to a generous donation from The Graziano family, the kitchen at the Sandel Senior Center has been completely renovated.

Nicole Graziano, a nurse and nutritionist, who has been volunteering at the center for many years, and will oftentimes provide dietary advice and help prepare meals for the seniors, contacted Nancy Codispoti, the director of the Sandel Center, about a year ago to discuss plans to remodel the kitchen.

“She called me up as I was in the kitchen, sticking a wooden spoon into the stove so it would stay closed, and said that she and her husband have decided to renovate the entire Sandel kitchen,” Codispoti said, much to the excitement of the senior community. “That is why we’re here today. Because the Graziano family has donated this entire new kitchen.”

Not only did Nicole and her husband help provide the necessary funding for the renovations, her father-in-law, Michael Graziano, Sr., also dedicated his time and expertise as a kitchen designer to help install all new cabinetry, countertops, and appliances that will serve the seniors at the Sandel Center for many years to come.

“I have to say this was an honor and a pleasure,” Nicole Graziano said. “Nancy has worked so hard to make this kitchen beautiful for all of you to enjoy. Everything she decided on, she had every one of you in mind to make it accessible so that you all could enjoy it as you should.”

To celebrate the occasion, Codispoti invited Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray and Village Administrator Nancy Howard to help present a plaque as a small gesture of gratitude for their generous benefactors.

“They say Disney World is the happiest place on earth. I disagree,” Mayor Murray said. “We’re all family here. There are so many good things about our village, but the most important thing that makes it that special are the people that live here.”

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, the kitchen was officially open to the Sandel community to enjoy. Fruit and charcuterie was served along with prosecco to provide seniors with a light snack as they basked in the shiny new kitchen complete with marble counters, a new gas stove, and a walk-in refrigerator.