St. Patrick’s feast in Falls Village

FALLS VILLAGE — At about 12:20 p.m. Thursday, March 14, Theresa Graney thanked the group of some 25 people for coming to the Senior Center’s St. Patrick’s Day lunch.

Graney and Tina Hanlon then removed the covers from the dishes; fragrant smells filled the room; and there was a quiet, dignified stampede.

Graney, the town’s social services director, and Hanlon, the nutrition site manager, presided over corned beef and cabbage and numerous side dishes. For those who don’t care for corned beef, Roger Burdick provided chicken and shrimp dishes. There was a potluck dessert table, too.

First Selectman Dave Barger contributed traditional blarney as he circulated around the room. He said that starting with the Thursday meal, the menu for the next three days consisted of lasagna (twice) and corned beef (once more) at various civic events.

Graney said the Senior Center team figured on serving 35 people in the second annual St. Patrick’s Day meal. She added that she is trying to attract more seniors, especially those who don’t much care for the term “senior,” to join in.