A teacher at Emmett O’Brien Technical School and a dozen of his students teamed up in April to give residents of the Monsignor John T. Hynes Apartments on Woodlawn Avenue a special lunch to mark the arrival of spring.
Students served 60 meals at the Frederick Ortoli Community Center at the apartment complex, which is managed by the Ansonia Housing Authority.
The menu included sautéed chicken with caper cream sauce, seafood rice, a spring vegetable medley, pasta primavera, and strawberry shortcake.
Chef Lou Fusco, who teaches culinary arts at Emmett O’Brien, called the spring luncheon “a win-win” for all involved.
It was the latest in a series of luncheons prepared and served by the students during the school year, Fusco said.
Students visited the center before Thanksgiving and served a turkey dinner, and they also were on hand for a Christmas celebration.
“The students get to work with the people in their community and we get to serve a larger number of people,” Fusco said. “It’s institutional cooking, and it’s a different type of learning experience.”
“We tried to do a spring menu,” Fusco said. “We prepped yesterday and cooked (the meal) this morning.”
He said he hoped to return with his students in June to serve a barbecue lunch.
O’Brien senior Brittany Narh, of Bridgeport, said she enjoyed helping the residents.
“They’re sweet,” she said. “It’s really good community service.”
Classmate Esther Torres of Ansonia said, “It’s fun to help out and it’s good to come here and see other people smile.”
Resident Shirley Collins praised the students and the meals they prepare.
“They do a fantastic job,” she said.
Mayor David S. Cassetti and Second Ward Alderman Lorie Vaccaro stopped by to greet the residents.
Vicky Clifford, a grants coordinator at the Ansonia Housing Authority, said the elderly and disabled residents “love the kids, and they love the food.”
She said holding the lunches give residents an opportunity to socialize.
“It’s getting them out of isolation,” Clifford said.
She also said she was grateful to Cassetti for always visiting with the residents and listening to them.
“They love him,” Clifford said.
Fifth Ward Alderwoman Joan Radin said she had seen “such an improvement” since Clifford started promoting socialization among residents of Monsignor John T. Hynes Apartments, the John J. O‘Donnell Apartments across the street and the John J. Stevens Apartments on
Beaver and Central streets.
“It’s an opportunity for them to get out and meet other people,” she said.
Radin also commended Clifford for organizing field trips for residents, including an upcoming visit to the Branford Trolley Museum.
Housing Authority Commissioner Eileen Krugel was also on hand for the event.
“It’s always good to meet and talk with the people we work for,” she said.
Fusco said O’Brien Technical High School “gets a lot of support from the city, and it’s nice to give back.”
