Last week, local seniors and town department heads came together to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of autumn at the fall festival held at the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center.

“We’ve been having the fall festival for six years, and every year, we all have a wonderful time. The seniors look forward to spending time with the department heads,” stated Judy Amarone, senior center director. “The seniors have the opportunity to interact and have a happy day, and everyone feels important.”

Amarone explained that the department heads serve as waiters and cooks and go from table to table, speaking with seniors. More than 80 seniors attended the event. Department heads who participated included Fire Chief Vincent Landisio, Police Chief Thomas McLoughlin, Library Director Lois Baldini, Director of Finance and Administrative Services Ed Swinkoski, Deputy Fire Chief Dave Marcarelli, and Director of Public Works Lynn Sadosky.

“They are taking time out of their busy schedule to visit and spend time with the seniors. The seniors also could ask questions about the library, public works, police, fire and town hall,” added Amarone. “It’s a happy day for the department heads and the seniors love it and it is one of their favorite days at the center.”

Several seniors in attendance agreed with Amarone and were thrilled to be waited on by the town employees while enjoying a meal of grilled chicken, vegetables, cole slaw, biscuits, pretzels, punch, coffee and cake while conversing with their friends.

“I’ve been coming to the center for eleven years and I like to be among my friends sharing good food and good times,” said Albino Conti, a senior member and attendee. “I enjoy this particular gathering and seeing my buddy, First Selectman Michael Freda, the department heads, and my special buddies at the center Sal Laudicina, George Creamer, Sr., and John Berardi.”

Laudicina, Creamer and Berardi agreed with Conti by adding that today’s event is one of their favorite gatherings and they enjoy coming to the center and spending time with Amarone, the center’s recreation director Sue Jung and the entire staff.

Like the seniors, the department heads also look forward to the fall festival each year.

“I love the seniors. The luncheon is a nice way to relax and spend time with wonderful people,” stated Sadosky. “I enjoy helping out and attending the festival as much as I love the bocce tournament, which the seniors play the department heads.”

Laughter, smiles, and good conversation filled the entire dining room. Amarone and her staff assisted Baldini and Sadosky with serving the tables while Jung worked in the kitchen and Landisio, Swinkoski, McLoughlin and Marcarelli cooked on the grill.

During lunch, the seniors had a visit from Freda, who went to each table and talked with those present.

“Today’s event is a way to appreciate and demonstrate to our seniors of North Haven how important they are and their fellow seniors in the surrounding communities are to not only our town but every town and city,” stated Freda. “Our seniors are the backbone of North Haven and have made sacrifices, raised children, paid taxes, and have passed the torch to the younger generations. It is our privilege to be here today and every day to care for them and say “thank you” for all they do and have done.”

After lunch, the seniors enjoyed dessert, provided by Stratford’s Family Care Visiting Nurse, and listened to a wide variety of music provided by musician and entertainer Bob Giannotti. Many sang along while others tapped their feet to the music and some got up to dance.

“We were the first ones here today. We had our pick of the tables,” said Margaret Wells, another senior attendee. “My friend Ann Dellavalle and I had a delightful time and the food was delicious and the company wonderful. But most of all we spent quality time with friends, Judy and her staff, our First Selectman, and the department heads who keep our town functioning while serving all our citizens. Ann and I are looking forward to next year.”

For more information on upcoming events, programs, and services, please call the center at 203-239-5432.