At first glance, Shaker Pointe residents John Pattison and Dick Shirey might seem fairly different. Dick, a former Peace Corps volunteer and Economics professor, now co-chairs the Resident Council, while nonagenarian John is involved in so many resident-led activities that it’s a running joke among his neighbors.
Then again, maybe they don’t seem so different; they’re both long-term residents of Shaker Pointe, proud members of the R.O.M.E.O.s (Retired Old Men Eating Out), and engaged in several overlapping activities, most recently Shaker Pointe’s burgeoning theater program.
Who better to interview two of the Shaker Pointe Players’ leading men than each other? Using a series of questions about community life and resident activities, Dick and John shared stories and surprises from their experiences at Shaker Pointe.
John: What surprised you most about life at Shaker Pointe after moving in?
Dick: I think the surprise was that I was invited to be part of the different committees and be involved in Shaker Pointe life within a month of the time I arrived. That was a big surprise.
John: If a new resident told you, “I’m not sure activities are really my thing,” what would you tell them?
Dick: To try everything. There will be one for you. And if not, you can start your own!
John: What have you gained from being involved here that you didn’t expect?
Dick: I think what I’ve gained is a much larger community than I ever expected to gain, and now that’s built on top of all the communities I’m still a part of in Albany. I just feel surrounded by community in two big circles.
Dick: That’s actually a good segue to my question for you. What keeps you saying ‘yes’ to activities at 96, especially ones like theater?
John: It’s just that I like theater, and I’d like to participate, so I would like to be auditioned! I’m always happy to be auditioned to see if it fits, and happy to know what any upcoming play is all about, but the sheer interest is what keeps me saying yes.
Dick: Tell me about a favorite memory or moment at Shaker Pointe.
John: I’d have to think about that. A lot of nice things have happened. I’ve met a lot of nice people and done a lot of interesting things. I’m not sure I have a single favorite memory. I’ll think of something in the middle of the night. Do you mind if I call you at 2 a.m.?
Dick: If Shaker Pointe life were a stage production, what genre would it be — comedy, drama, mystery, or something else — and why?
John: Life as it happens. It would be a sitcom!
John Pattison accepts the award for Shaker Pointe’s Prom King alongside resident Carol Gensicki, the Prom Queen.
Dick Shirey delivers a presentation to his fellow residents about his time in the Philippines.
Dick and John most recently appeared in Shaker Pointe’s spring 2026 production of The Odd Couple [Female Version]. We thank both gentlemen for their time and talents!