The ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) recently celebrated the arrival of spring and Pasquetta.
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). In Italy, picnics are common to consume the leftover foods from the Easter meal. On Pasquetta, everyone is Italian!
Due to the chill despite it being the end of April, seniors feasted not at a picnic, but indoors on chicken parmigiana, green salad, and pasta, which was catered by Spinelli’s of East Boston and very generously sponsored by the center’s friends at Century Bank on Hanover Street. Lina Buttiri, Vice President and Branch Manager of Century Bank, organized the donation and Mr. Joseph Galvao Assistant Branch Manager II, visited the seniors and gave them canvas bags as a party favor.
Joseph Galvao, Century Bank Manager, hands out bags. 
Maria Stella Gulla, Director ABCD NE/WE NSC, greets crowd. 
Volunteer Susan and Case Manager Qi behind the scenes in the kitchen. 
Lunch sponsored by Century Bank. 
NSC Staff Member Julia socializes with clients. 
Joseph Galvao of Century Bank. 
North End neighbors. 
Maria Stella Gulla, Director ABCD NE/WE NSC; and Lee Phenner from ABCD Public Information. 
West End neighbors.
The NE/WE NSC was delighted to have the company of a group of seniors from the Blackstone Apartments in the West End, brought via a van run by Bay Cove and funded through Title 3B funds out of the Boston Commission on Affairs of the Elderly. The afternoon was pleasant and joyous, 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 12:30 p.m. One does not need to be a resident of the Villa Michelangelo Apartments to attend.
