LYNN — Nearly 100 seniors gathered at the Lynn Senior Center on March 14 for a lively and festive St. Patrick’s Day luncheon, an annual tradition sponsored by the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC) and the office of Mayor Jared C. Nicholson.
The event, now in its third year, featured a classic corned beef and cabbage meal, raffle prizes, and a chance for seniors to connect with city leaders in a fun and social setting.
The idea for the event was first discussed three years ago in a meeting between Nicholson and EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Jim Cowdell.
“The Mayor wanted to do something fun for the seniors, and we came up with this event,” said Cowdell, who served as the emcee for the luncheon. “We are so grateful to Brothers Deli and Tipico Restaurant for donating the food and helping make this possible.”
Seniors were served by a lineup of local elected officials, including Nicholson, Cowdell, City Councilors Dianna Chakoutis, Brian Field, Fred Hogan, Brian LaPierre, Nicole McClain, Obed Matul, and Hong Net, as well as School Committee member Lorraine Gately. In addition to the meal, attendees enjoyed raffle giveaways, with nearly 20 donated prizes handed out.
Nicholson highlighted the importance of events like these in fostering a strong and engaged community.
“We have so much fun doing this event with the Lynn Senior Center, and this partnership with EDIC has been a perfect addition to the calendar,” he said. “We are really grateful for our seniors and the spirit and energy they bring. The Senior Center is a perfect example of residents who have taken ownership of their community and built something special that is open to everyone.”
Lynn Senior Center Director of Elder Services Meegan Best emphasized the inclusive nature of the event and the role the center plays in making seniors feel supported.
“It doesn’t matter what background you come from — we want to celebrate everybody. It’s great to bring people together, be social, and engage,” she said. “This event is particularly special because city councilors and officials come down, and the seniors — their constituents — have a chance to speak with them and be heard. Our program here is designed to make sure seniors feel safe, heard, and supported.”
Best also gave a special thank-you to coworker Tania Freedman for helping make the event possible, as well as to EDIC for their ongoing support, including helping the center obtain a new sound system.
“We always look forward to these events, and this one, in particular, is very nice because it strengthens the connection between seniors and their local leaders,” she added.
For the seniors in attendance, the luncheon was a welcome celebration. Longtime attendee Joe Eccleston praised the Senior Center’s lively atmosphere.
“The Lynn Senior Center always has the best parties around, and we know how to celebrate!” he said.
Fellow senior Carol Howe echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m always excited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone here celebrates, no matter what nationality you are — today, we are all Irish! And corned beef and cabbage is the perfect Irish meal for the occasion.”
With another successful St. Patrick’s Day luncheon in the books, the Senior Center continues to be a place where laughter, friendship, and tradition thrive.
