Seniors Ready To Roll On Bocce Court

Bring on the Marblehead bocce team.

Swampscott Senior Center members thanked
local businessmen Bruce Paradise and Nick Meninno for building a bocce court outside the center, donating their services.

The 11- by 60-foot court was finished Monday on a grassy island at the back of Swampscott High.

On Tuesday shortly before 1 p.m. center member Myron Stone embraced Paradise and presented him a token of appreciation, a clock.

Center co-director Rod Pickard also extended his gratitude, saying the court will serve as a drawing card to recruit more members to the center.

He also extended thanks on behalf of the high school, whose students will use the court as a learning space for Italian culture lessons, physical and special education and other uses.

Bocce is a game with Italian roots in which competitors roll the balls.

The game is popular at the Marblehead Senior Center.

Their counterparts in Swampscott look forward to some friendly competition with their neighbors but first the Swampscott players need to hone their skills on their new course.

Myron said the Swampscott players aim to whip the Whippets, a name that Marblehead teams use to go by.

About 12 Swampscott Senior members applauded at the end of the ceremonies.

Those who want information about playing/ learning bocce are invited to call the center at 781-596-8866.