TOWN OF WAPPINGER – Lynne Miele-Versaci, organizer of many charitable events in the Hudson Valley received a surprise birthday parade on Thursday evening.
Sitting down to dinner with her boyfriend Mike Berretta, the parade organizer, Versaci was startled by the sound of fire sirens on her normally quiet street. “It would be my luck to have a fire on my birthday,” said the celebrant to her family. Berretta said that Lynne went outside to see what the commotion was and was greeted by several New Hackensack Fire Department rigs slowing down in front of her house with firefighters shouting birthday wishes. A line of more than thirty cars were behind the emergency vehicles with “Happy Birthday” signs being displayed. Several participants slowed to hand Versaci balloons, gifts, and well wishes.
“I lost both of my parents recently and I have been really depressed,” said the honoree. “I visited the graves of my parents earlier in the day and was feeling pretty down. The birthday dinner was lifting my spirits somewhat – and then the parade happened. I was blown away.”
Versaci was even more surprised when her friend and employer, Senator Sue Serino appeared at the driveway. “I never expected Sue to be in the parade,” said Versaci. When asked about being involved, Serino responded by saying “Lynne does so much for so many here in our community. It was amazing to have the opportunity to turn the tables and surprise her with her own car parade! The community turned out in a big way to celebrate her from afar and I was thrilled to be there.”
Berretta had worked with friend Terry Hunt Teeling to organize the event using a private event page on Facebook. The organizers sent out digital invites stressing the “surprise” part of it. “It worked,” said Berretta. “Lynne had no idea that it was in the works. I can’t believe that she didn’t find out.”
Versaci is well known in the Hudson Valley for the several hats she wears. In addition to serving as a Community Liason for Senator Sue Serino, she is also Director of Development/Community Events for the American Cancer Society covering Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and Rockland counties. The Wappinger resident is very active in the local music scene, working at The Chance Theatre and booking live bands for several venues, including Duces Restaurant at DC Indoor Golf in Poughkeepsie and DC Sports in Wappingers Falls.
“This was truly humbling,” said Versaci. In thanking all of the well-wishers, Versaci reminded everyone that she expects even bigger turnouts at upcoming fundraising events she will be hosting for the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes.
