Farewell for now, Celia
Life-long Brooklyn resident and community leader Celia Cacace had to leave her home borough for the cheesier, and possibly grassier, knolls of Wisconsin, on Tuesday, January 15, after her apartment building on 1st Place was sold and even the combined efforts of her friends and fellow community activists in Carroll Gardens and Red Hook could not find her an affordable replacement.
Before she left, though, Brooklyn came out for a farewell party/future-apartment-fundraiser at popular Court Street eatery, Mama Maria’s. Between all the gasps of recognition, squeals of surprise, hugs, and steady stream of conversation, it was a good thing, said Cacace, that she hadn’t put on mascara that evening. “I didn’t put [it] on because I promised not to cry,” she joked.
“It’s overwhelming,” the 76-year-old exclaimed between laughs. “Even the kids [are here]. I’m seeing people I know and not saying goodbye [because] I’m like General MacArthur: “I shall return.”