The ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) celebrated the arrival of spring and Pasquetta earlier this month at its 1 Michelangelo Street site in the North End.
Pasquetta is often translated to “little Easter,” and is a day to relax. It was instituted in the post-war period to create a long weekend, which allows people to have a weekend getaway, or at least a “scampagnata” (jaunt to the countryside). At the NE/WE NSC, seniors feasted on green salad, pasta, deviled eggs, chicken, and vegetables, coffee, and cookies, the latter of which were donated by the office of City Councilor Lydia Edwards.
Alison Freeman, new Director of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Luis Ottonelli, Finance Assistant, from the Commission on Affairs of the Elderly, visited with the seniors. The center recognizes the efforts of the NE/WE NSC Advisory Board, including Victor Brogna on trumpet, who serenaded the crowd with some cheerful spring tunes; David Roderick, who assisted with meal preparation and serving; and Gisella di Paola, who is also Vice President of Eagle Bank on 389 Hanover Street.
The NE/WE NSC gratefully acknowledges William Rivers and Gisella di Paola for the bank’s compassionate donation of $1,500, which the NE/WE NSC will put towards direct services for seniors. Also in attendance was Josh Young, Director of Legislative Affairs from ABCD. All in all, although there was a bite to the air, it was cozy and festive in the drop-in center, and the afternoon passed joyfully, with seniors lingering over coffee long after the tables were cleared!
The NE/WE NSC advertises all celebrations in advance. They invite anyone who desires a meal and companionship to call the center at 617-523-8125. In addition, weekly hot meals take place in the North End on Mondays and Friday at 12:30PM. One does not need to be a resident of the Villa Michelangelo Apartments to attend.
