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Seekonk banjoists to the rescue for Long Island priest
 A pair of local musicians, with help from their wives, came to the aid of a fellow banjoist on Lomg island. Pictured in back, are, from left, Steve and Sandy Caddick, Theresa and Paul Poirier and Father Bill Brisotti. Charlie Ciccio, the food pantry manager, is in front (Submitted)
Top Headlines But the Catholic priest, an avid banjo player, had more than God on his side. Seekonk musicians and fellow banjoists Steve Caddick and Paul Poirier and their wives heard about the good father's plight and sped a pickup truck load of canned goods, clothing and other necessities south to help. The men, members of the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band of Foxboro, delivered the goods personally to Wyandanch last weekend and were joined in the mercy errand by their wives, Sandy Caddick and Terry Poirier. The purchases were supported by donations from 14 people and matched by Poirier, a local businessman. The Ryan Center is in one of the poorest sections of Long Island and has been victimized by break-ins and thefts in the past. In addition to the food and clothing, the fire almost destroyed 50 banjos and mandolins the priest had spent a lifetime collecting. Most were protected by their cases, however. Despite the fire, Brisotti and the Ryan Outreach Center are determined to continue their mission. Temporary trailers are being used for food and clothing storage. "Father Bill is a dedicated man who knows how to let his volunteers run things, and is very good at delegating responsibilities," Caddick said. "He's also just a nice guy who plays banjo." Caddick, a nationally recognized jazz banjo player, met Brisotti as a result of the priest's involvement in the Early Spring Banjo Fling. The annual festival draws thousands of banjo, jazz and Dixieland music fans and musicians to the Holiday Inn in Mansfield over a four day period. Brisotti continues to be committed to music, as well as helping others. The priest once again will be joining fellow banjo enthusiasts at the Early Spring Banjo Fling, which includes dozens of workshops, jam sessions and free concerts open to the public April 3-6. Musicians at the event are planning to collect additional donations to assist the Ryan Outreach Center in its work. For a schedule and more information about the Early Spring Banjo Fling, visit www.stonestreetstrummers.org.
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