Mineola Holds 11th Annual Senior Appreciation Day

The Mineola recreation department hosted its 11th annual Senior Appreciation Day Monday morning at the  auditorium.

Following the recent  and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, an aura of military appreciation fused with holiday cheer swelled among the approximate 300 attendees as "The Romeo's" provided live entertainment in the form of "Yankee Doodle Dandy," theme songs for each branch of the armed services, and a song from the 1966 film, "What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?"

There were very few strangers in the room, as "most of the guests have been coming year after year," said Recreation Department Activities Coordinator Marta DeSousa, who has interfaced with such taxi companies as  and All Island, a sponsor of the event, in the interest of securing free transportation for seniors who can no longer drive.

As two gentlemen comically danced to the band's rendition of "Over There," members of the  were busy setting up a buffet donated by , featuring penne a la vodka, penne with marinara, meatballs and two types of salad.

Visitors were called up by their themed table names like 'pumpkin pie,' and 'apple cider' to be served by the likes of Trustee Paul Cusato. As the seniors rose, Mineola American Legion commander Sal Cataldo was quick to repeat the old military mess hall phrase "take all you want, but eat all you take."

Mingling continued as guests were serenaded by the sounds of Dean Martin's "Mambo Italiano" while band members took a break. "Different restaurants used to donate different types of food so the seniors would get a little bit of everything," said DeSousa, who has been in charge of the day for the last six to seven years, "but there was never enough of one thing." Having enough was not a problem this year, as there were plenty of backup catering trays on standby.

"It is a great day in the village and it brings all the seniors together," past Chamber of Commerce President Steve Ford said as he finished dishing out helpings of pasta.

Following lunch, attending seniors were to take part in a raffle that included over 200 different prizes donated by over 70 Mineola organizations and businesses. Everything from plants and gift certificates to a motorized scooter donated by the were available to win in the raffle.

In addition to socializing between with each other and with Deputy Mayor Lawrence Werther, who was making the rounds, seniors were recognized for their service to their country. The band and the VFW and American Legion asked those who served as well as the widows of the fallen to stand, be recognized and observe a moment of silence for those veterans no longer with us.