Saints march into E. Meadow Senior Center

The saints came marching into the East Meadow Senior Center last week — two of them, at least.

A little more than a week before their respective feast days, St. Patrick and St. Joseph — played by local men named Eddie Corda and Dominik LaBruna, respectively — stopped by the Town of Hempstead facility on March 9 to celebrate Irish and Italian traditions. About 50 seniors attended the March party, which Phyllis Caggiano, the center’s president, has organized annually for more than 20 years.

Caggiano plans events for her peers at the center, at 1485 Front St., around every major holiday. Noting that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 and St. Joseph’s Day comes just two days later, Caggiano said community members felt it was important to celebrate both.

Scores of seniors wore green attire for the occasion, and Caggiano made festive corsages of the same color for the women in attendance. They feasted on a lunch of corned beef and cabbage before receiving a special dessert from one of their saintly visitors.

Community members cheered when Corda, who is a member of the center, walked into the party room wearing wings and a halo. He gave out shamrock stickers to all of the women in attendance, wishing everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Shortly afterwards, LaBruna walked out dressed as St. Joseph to deliver another surprise: zeppole, an Italian pastry associated with the holiday. His wife, Rose, and Caggiano helped him hand out the sweet treats

Joe G and the Nostalgics, an“oldies” musical group, provided entertainment. They played classic tunes throughout the afternoon, including a few Italian songs especially for the event.

Caggiano is now preparing the center for Easter and Passover festivities. A celebration of these spring holidays will be held at 12 p.m. on April 6. For $20, any senior who wishes to participate will be offered a lunch including chicken, soup and dessert, in addition to a visit from the Easter Bunny.