Senior Center celebrates season of love

Community members might know John Mallico as the commander of the East Meadow Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2736. But last week, Mallico embraced a new title: the “kissing angel.”

Donned in wings and a halo, Mallico handed out Hershey’s Kisses at the East Meadow Senior Center’s annual Valentine’s Day celebration. Phyllis Caggiano, the center’s president, organized the event three days after the holiday so community members could celebrate the season of love.

Caggiano, who has been the center’s president for about 10 years, plans parties for her peers around every major holiday. She said the seniors enjoy visits from the Easter Bunny, St. Patrick’s Day gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts and more.
Dozens of community members gathered at the Town of Hempstead facility, at 1485 Front St., around lunch time. They enjoyed food, sweet treats from the “kissing angel” and plenty of entertainment.

Joe G and the Nostalgics, a local “oldies” musical group, played romantic and classic tunes. The seniors danced the afternoon away, gliding around the room adorned with red, white and pink Valentine’s Day decorations.