Patch Picks: 5 St. Patrick's Day Events

You don't have to go to Ireland (or hit an Irish pub) to enjoy the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. Whether you're craving corned beef and cabbage or searching for your pot of gold, there's plenty to do right here at home.

1. Start your St. Patrick’s Day off at the Hayward Area Senior Center (22325 N. Third St.) where the Richard Herman Band will kick off the festivities at 9 a.m. The band will be followed by the Gerry Winn Singers at 11 a.m. Coffee and tea will be served at 11:45 am, with a traditional lunch of corned beef and cabbage served at 12 p.m. There will also be door and raffle prizes. Advance tickets are $5.50 per person, or $7 per person at the door. For more information, call (510) 881-6766.
2. Anyone age 55 and up that may be feeling the luck o’ the Irish on March 17 should join the senior trip to Cache Creek Casino. The cost to participate in this trip is $25 per person. For information about this or any of the other 2011 Senior Trips, visit the Ralph and Mary Ruggieri Senior Center services and classes website or call 510-675-5495.
3. Another St. Paddy’s senior center event can be found at the , 6800 Mowry Ave., beginning at 11:45 a.m. A traditional Irish lunch with all the trimmings will be served for a bargain of $3.25. Call (510) 578-4840 for more information or to reserve your space. 
4. March 17 will also celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick by  at Union City Civic Center, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Rd, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Arrive with gloves and sturdy shoes (no sandals), bring along some water, and be prepared to make a tangible change to your city. To participate in this event, you will need to sign up at handsonconservation.org. For any questions, contact Amy Evans, resource conservationist for the Alameda County Resource Conservation District, at (925) 371-0154, ext. 112.
5. In the evening, head on over to Newark’s  (5660 Thornton Ave.) and enjoy a , free with the purchase of a minimum of two drinks. Enjoy this traditional meal from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.