Senior Profile: Ms. Anna Matlak

Sometimes an offer to help can turn into something much greater. Five years ago, when Anna Matlak was asked if she could assist in the Carter Burden Luncheon Club's flea market, she graciously obliged. "I'm always helping people," says the vibrant 73 year-old Ms. Matlak. She eventually took over the responsibility when the person in charge was no longer able.

She does an incredible job of keeping the whole thing organized within such a small space. Donations for the flea market are always coming in, so she tries to offer a variety of things by rotating the items. "Clothes used to be more popular, but now people want small knick-knacks and kitchen things." All proceeds from the flea market go back to the Luncheon Club, paying for events such as the monthly birthday party. Many other Club members don't realize that running the flea market is purely a volunteer position. "People ask me how much I get paid to do this, and I laugh and tell them 'nothing!," she says with a smile.

Ms. Matlak is one of only a few people that attended the Club prior to the Carter Burden Center taking it over seven years ago. She is extremely impressed with how much the Club has grown and changed over the years by offering more activities, better food, and a friendly staff. "Marlena and the rest of the staff are so nice and caring." In addition to running the flea market, Ms. Matlak likes to participate in monthly aerobics, and has gone on trips to Atlantic City and Foxwoods. She also likes to take advantage of the free health services the Club offers by getting her blood pressure checked monthly by Boro Med.

Ms. Matlak is a native Upper East Sider. Not only was she born and raised in this part of Manhattan, but her parents were as well. Even her son lives in the neighborhood. Because of her strong ties to the community, she is always very busy in the neighborhood, helping people less fortunate than herself.

And one good turn deserves another. Her favorite event is the annual Christmas Day Holiday Party at the Club, and one year she was too sick to attend. Velda Murad, Assistant Director of the Carter Burden Center, delivered her a holiday meal that day and she was so grateful. "I couldn't believe someone would take time out to do something so nice for me on Christmas Day! When someone asks me why I run the flea market, I say 'Look what they did for me. That's why I want to give back.'"

Her help is greatly appreciated by the Carter Burden Center community, and in May of 2005, the Controller of the City of New York awarded Ms. Matlak the Senior Service Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and citizenship.

back to archives