COMMUNITY NEWS
A CORRESPONDENT
Vasundhara Kalasapudi lends
When her father began suffering from old
age and dementia, New York-based geri-
atric psychiatrist Dr Vasundhara
Kalasapudi tried to bring him to the United
States. She looked for facilities that could
accommodate Indian seniors in a culturally
compatible atmosphere that included
Indian food. She found none.
At India Home, seniors find friends and have health, recreational and other activities to particiapte in
seniors of Indian origin, Kalasapudi said.
The second home was started in 2008 in Queens at a
space provided weekly by Dr Linda Leest, director of
Services Now for Adult Persons, an organization for older
adults. It aims to integrate Indian seniors with seniors of
other communities. Another India Home is to be opened at
the Gujarati Samaj in Flushing, New York, soon.
The centers employ three part-time employees though
volunteers do most of the work.
Kalasapudi said she had her family supports the venture,
although it takes up a lot of her time. Her employers gave
her flexible hours after she explained what she does at the
center. She is also involved in medical research.
When she started a center at the Kerala Center in
Elmont, Long Island, Dr Beppy Edasery bore the expenses
for three years. Doshi has committed $25,000 each year for
four years.
Indians raise funds for
Texas town’s mayor
A CORRESPONDENT
A snapshot from the fundraiser
The Indian community in Pearland, Texas,
hosted a fundraiser for Mayor Tom Reid, who
is seeking reelection May 14.
Dr Avinash Gadkari, president, Pearland
Desi Group, described Mayor Reid’s help in
providing water supply, building major roads
and bringing the University of Houston campus to the town. Dr Venugopal Menon said
Reid has been the community’s friend for the
past 35 years.
Reid spoke of the growth of the town’s population from 4,000 in 1965 to 96,000.
Community activist Sam Kannappan requested people to use the facility to vote early, from
May 2 through May 10, and called for volunteers at seven polling booths May 14.
www.votetomreid.com
