Reprinted from Florida Today, July 28, 2004
BY JENNIFER TORRES
FOR FLORIDA TODAY
For almost 10 years, Anthony Cirillo has been entertaining senior citizens. His
greatest joy
comes from making a connection with someone who feels forgotten or alone, he
said.
Cirillo has performed at senior centers across the country, singing songs,
telling jokes and
talking about life with the audience. This month, Cirillo is coming to Satellite
Beach to visit his sister
and to perform two shows.
Recently, his first book, "Who Moved My Dentures," was published, aimed at
health-care
professionals and senior citizens. He said the book started out as vignettes
about people he met
during his acts, and evolved into a book that debunks common misperceptions
about the long-term care industry, using real stories to illustrate the points made.
"Along the way, I discuss how the industry is financed and policed, educate
people about the differences in long-term care, and offer useful tips and advice
for people facing long-term care choices. But, at it's heart, it is a story
about people who are thriving when others have written them off," Cirillo said.
"These are the quiet heroes. They may not be heroes in the way our veterans,
armed forces, firefighters and police are considered. They may not be the stuff
of myth or legend. And their achievements may not be well
known. But they, nonetheless, possess noble qualities and show great courage -
part of the literal definition of hero in the dictionary."
Cirillo will perform at 2:30 p.m. today at Vista Manor in Titusville, and at
3:30 p.m. Thursday at The Fountains of Melbourne, both senior living
communities.