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The little shop friendship builtBy TERRY JONES
© St. Petersburg Times, ST. PETERSBURG -- Helping provide social activities and entertainment for neighbors has been therapeutic for Sara Mills Fleming and Helen Becker, both 93. For the past eight years, the two women have turned merchandising skills they learned before retiring into a business in Peterborough Apartments. Through a gift shop, they help raise money for the residents living in 150 apartments in the complex, selling everything from groceries to lamps to knickknacks. All of the money goes toward providing extras for residents. Except for limited grocery items, nearly everything sold is donated by residents. "I have always been in business," said Fleming, who was born in Augusta, Ga. "I owned a designer dress shop in Augusta and operated it myself, so operating the gift shop is easy for me. I got the idea after visiting the Presbyterian Towers gift shop several years ago. It was beautiful. Helen and I sought permission to have one here, and we eventually got it." Peterborough Apartments originated as a combined project of St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral and the department of Housing and Urban Development, to provide affordable housing for low-income seniors. Rents are based on residents' ability to pay. The idea of the apartments originated with the Very Rev. LeRoy D. Lawson, the late dean emeritus and former rector of the cathedral. The Rev. David Mosher, who had experience in construction, became the overseer for the 16-floor benevolent project, which was started in 1979 and completed in 1981. When Fleming and Becker first approached HUD with their idea of a gift shop, they were turned down. After new local HUD management came in a few years later, the idea was approved. "The money all goes to the Peterborough Apartment Association, which uses it for things like patio furniture, parties on special occasions, socials and other entertainments," Fleming said. "Sometimes when people move in or out, they donate very nice things, like stuffed animals, pretty lamps and glassware. You have to see it to believe it." Joe Vinciguerra, resident manager for the complex, says the residents manage their own activities. "It is like a hotel, where all residents take care of themselves," Vinciguerra said. "We have what we call a party room for group TV, bingo, first-run movies and other group activities. The proceeds from the gift shop run by Helen and Sara pay for much of the group activities taking place in the party room." Becker moved to Florida in 1956 from Syracuse, N.Y., and initially lived in the Indian Rocks area. She operated a variety store in Pasadena for several years. She and Fleming met at Peterborough and instantly became friends. Becker, who has bookkeeping experience, handles the finances for the gift shop and is treasurer of the residents association. "Sara approached me with her idea in 1993, when I was elected treasurer of the association," she said. "I enjoy working in the shop and doing the finances. It keeps me active, and Sara and I work well together. Plus it is a way to help provide some nice things for the people in the apartments." An added benefit to their working in the shop is that the women regularly visit with their neighbors. "Rev. Lawson's original dream was to protect people from living in poverty in their late years," Vinciguerra said, "and the work of Sara and Helen in the gift shop, certainly is in keeping with his dream."
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From the Times Seniority pages |
