Senior Notes

by Cora Flood

Jigs, Reel and Slow Waltzes:

Our thanks to musicians Sue Lindsay, Helen Kisiel and Brendan Tonra who were our special guests at the July Seniors outing to the Irish Cultural Centre, Canton. We had anticipated a full house, but when packed house turned up we just went with the flow.

Mass was celebrated by Fr. McCarthy, whose loyal following from St. Brendan’s Dorchester, showed up in large numbers and caused the commotion in the back of the room. I believe it was their hunger pangs getting the better of them! John Harris our student seminarian over from Maynooth for the summer gave a thoughtful and thoroughly prepared homily to a congregation who also appreciated its brevity. The gathering was a lot of fun, with folks clamoring at least for a while around a photo exhibit of pictures/ scenes from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s dance hall era. Mary spotted her old boyfriend in a picture, several others marveled at how time had treated them well (few wrinkles, still lots of thick hair). We even got to meet several still happily married couples who met and courted from the Hibernian and Intercolonial Halls in Dudley Sq.

There really is nothing like being in out of a torrential downpour, sitting with friends, even new ones just cemented, eating tasty chicken and rice pilaf, sipping a Baileys or two and listening to jigs, reels and slow waltz music on a Thursday afternoon. I believe everyone went home at least with a smile on their face, even a little giddy and looking forward to many more Irish Seniors outings to Canton.

Thanks to Kirk Van Gilder of DEAF Inc, for providing us with very useful contacts and support for people who are experiencing hearing loss.

A full house at the Veronica Smith Center last week also, listened attentively to a witty and engaging presentation. Kevin O’Sullivan too had his homework done with a full rendition of Boulavogue followed by Maureen’s tribute to a Kilkenny native in the Rose of Mooncoin. Sr. Eileen went on to break a few hearts with her singing of “A Mothers Love”.

News round up from the senior social scene!

• Get well wishes to Evelyn Flaherty and Kathleen Gorham for a speedy recovery from all your fans in Brighton and Dorchester.
• Norah Lavelle and her sister Bríd are starting a walking group. If you are interested in getting out of the house in the morning, would like some company whilst you meander the scenic byroads of the Quincy/ Dorchester area contact - Norah or see her here at IPC this Wednesday morning. Tel: (617) 479 7404 x 13

Final week before the summer holidays:

• Monday in Brighton we welcome newly wed Danielle Owen from the Community Counseling Service at the Irish Immigration Center in Boston. Followed by our sing along.

• Wednesday at the IPC, Quincy from 9:30 am to 11:30 am we bid farewell to our student John Harris. We also have a new addition to our program for this Wednesday.

Topic: How to laugh yourself better: Pain management and the Giggle Galleries with Jim.

Thanks to all our volunteers and friends who made the programs and activities during the month of July so much fun and signs on they were well attended…..Have a great week ahead….. Cora