Town launches first Senior Citizen Discount Week program
Sorry, 20-something-year-old man on your first date who’s trying to impress that special young lady with a three-course meal at a downtown Riverhead restaurant next week: You’ll need to pay full price.
But if you’re over 60 years old and that restaurant is Jerry and the Mermaid, you’re in luck. The eatery is offering a $19.95 three-course prix fixe dinner next week as part of the Town of Riverhead’s Senior Citizen Discount Week.
In total, 24 local businesses have signed up to offer discounts as part of the first-year program, which was initiated by the town’s Senior Citizen Advisory Council. The discounts will run from Sunday, Dec. 6, through Saturday, Dec. 12.
“Our senior community is our town’s greatest treasure,” Supervisor Sean Walter said in a press release announcing the event. “This is the perfect opportunity for the town and businesses to join in showing gratitude for all that our seniors have accomplished and contributed to society during their lifetime.”
The program is wide-ranging in terms of the type of businesses participating and the level of discounts being offered. Sonoma Grill on East Main Street will take 20 percent off your bill, for example. Or you can get a weeklong pass to nearby Maximus Health and Fitness for just $15. Riverhead Stationary is selling Christmas cards and other cards at a 50 percent discount. If you’re interested in seeing a show, the Suffolk Theater will take $2 off the price of your ticket.
“It’s a great program,” said Mary Hughes, executive director of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, which along with the Riverhead Business Improvement District has encouraged its members to participate. “I’m so happy to see the town doing something so nice for our seniors.” Councilman John Dunleavy, who serves as the Town Board liaison to the committee, called the program “fantastic.”
“Seniors on a fixed income, who may not have otherwise been able to enjoy our downtown restaurants or our theater, now have that opportunity at a discount,” he said in a statement.
Photo: The Long Island Aquarium is offering a $15 admission as part of next week’s Senior Citizen Discount Week. (Credit: Randee Daddona, file)
Editor’s note: The date for the event was incorrectly reported in this week’s paper. The discount is available from Sunday, Dec. 6, through Saturday, Dec. 12.
Click on the tab below for a complete list of participating businesses.
