Vacca, Anthony’s Flower Farm brighten the New Year

As a sign of genuine caring, Councilman Jimmy Vacca and Anthony Mancini of Anthony’s Flower Farm at 3240 E. Tremont Avenue paid a visit to the Jeanne Jugan Residence to brighten the day of area seniors.

During the visit, Vacca and Mancini handed out over 75 carnations and other flowers to those living in the residence, located at 2999 Shurz Avenue.

The recipients, some of whom were over 100 years old, were delighted to receive the beautiful flora on December 31. The event provided a New Year’s celebration that was more serene than most others for the residents of the retirement facility.

“We all hope and pray that 2009 is going to be a great year,” Vacca said to a large group in the dining hall, after he had handed them all flowers. “We wanted to come over and give a flower to each of you to let you know that we remember you and you are important to us this New Year.”

“We are all in this together,” Vacca added, referring to the sluggish economy.

The residence for elders is run and staffed by the Little Sisters of the Poor, and is a modern facility that boasts a beautiful new chapel, single person rooms, and a bright atmosphere.

“We live here with the seniors,” said Sr. Raymond Marie Labante, of Jeanne Jugan Residence. “The mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor is to live with older people and take care of them.”

Of course, the seniors were delighted to see that Vacca and Mancini went out of their way to show they care.

“It has brightened my day,” said Margaret O’Conner, a resident who received one of the flowers.

This is not the first time that Anthony Mancini, the owner of Anthony’s Flower Farm, and formerly of Flowers by Anthony on Westchester Avenue, has provided flowers to seniors at the area residences. On Valentine’s Day, Mancini gave away corsages to seniors at Providence Rest.

“I love giving back like this,” Mancini said. “This is the best part of my job. I just want to make them happy. This is great – visiting and brightening the seniors’ day. This is the best paycheck you can get – making somebody else happy.”

Vacca, Anthony’s Flower Farm