NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Millie Dariano celebrated the Chinese New Year Monday by taking part in holiday rituals and eating cultural food during the Hugh A. Doyle Senior Center’s annual Chinese New Year Celebration. 

Dariano had her fortune told by another senior in attendance, Terry Glatz. Glatz brought fortune telling sticks from Chinatown to the celebratory luncheon to provide an interactive experience for senior citizens to honor the Year of the Dragon.

Although Dariano has no connection to the Chinese culture or its heritage, she enjoyed experiencing what the nationality was about.

“I still get to have the fun,” Dariano said. “You got to have the spirit.”

Glatz also has no relation to the holiday or culture, but enjoys the unique tastes it has to offer.

“We eat Chinese food, mainly the egg roll,” Glatz said.

Seniors are also offered white rice, chicken chow mein and mandarin orange in place of the center's regular lunch menu items. 

The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese Lunar year 4710 began on Monday.