COMMUNITY NEWS

Seniors celebrate at Hawaiian Thanksgiving party

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East Meadow Senior Center President Phyllis Caggiano said community members who planned to attend her Thanksgiving luncheon were confused when they heard about her party plans. They weren’t sure what the Hawaiian dancers Caggiano welcomed to East Meadow for the celebration had to do with the annual fall holiday – but Caggiano knew they would enjoy the duo’s performance nonetheless.

“I remembered that, about 15 years ago, we had Hawaiian dancers here and they loved it,” she said. “I thought it would be nice to have a little entertainment to keep everyone interested.”

Caggiano’s assumptions were correct, as about 40 seniors happily danced, sang and enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 4 at the center, located at 1485 Front St. “Kayena” and “Kelani”, performers from a company called Dancin’ in the City, were pleased to add a Hawaiian twist to the holiday party.

Caggiano, who has been the senior center’s president for about 10 years, plans parties for her peers around every major holiday. She said the seniors enjoy visits from the Easter Bunny, St. Patrick’s Day gatherings, Valentine’s Day parties and more.

This Thanksgiving, she hired Dancin’ in the City to provide interactive entertainment. The duo danced to Hawaiian songs and taught the seniors about the culture of the islands.

Attendees also got in on the fun by participating in dance lessons, in addition to learning how to play songs with coconut shells. The party concluded with a conga line.