Johnston Senior Center celebrates Nifty Nineties

Johnston Sun Rise ·

Perhaps the two closing songs that Janine Andrews sang last Friday inside the Johnston Senior Center best described the day’s two-fold happening.

Andrews, who is a popular singer-entertainer in Rhode Island, moved from table-to-table with her hand-held microphone giving an appreciative audience a special, emotion-filled rendition of Frank Sinatra’s legendary “My Way!” She also closed yet another prolific performance with “God Bless America.”

Those two songs were perhaps even more meaningful Friday, as the JSC held its annual “Nifty Nineties” honoring 26 special seniors who ranged in age from 90 to 102 years old.

“We love hosting this event,” said Denise Bell, the JSC’s Center Coordinator who arranged last Friday’s event. “We try to make it special for each of our Nifty Nineties and their guests.”

The day was indeed special and sponsored by Golden Crest Nursing Centre of North Providence. In fact, Golden Crest and its marketing director Linda Giorgio added what Bell and others called “a touch of class” with their special gift to all 26 members of the JCS’s Nifty Nineties Class of 2017.

“Linda (Giorgio) and Diane Miller collaborated on the gift we gave each of the Nifty Nineties folks,” Bell said. “Diane Miller Photography took a photograph prior to the luncheon and later gave each of them a keepsake photo when they left.”

Likewise, Amy DiBiasio, a social worker who visits the JSC, and Special Events Coordinator Jean D’Arezzo assisted Bell in organizing last Friday’s annual event. They also helped Bell with plans for the annual Father’s Day Luncheon, which was yet another reason the multi-purpose dining area was nearly full.

“Everyone we honored here today is special,” Bell said. “They each have a special story or stories and we wish them continued health so the can come to our Nifty Nineties celebration in 2018.”

The complete list of Nifty Nineties includes: Hilda Adams, 92; Muff Andrea, 92; Angela Barletta, 94; Frances Carrillo, 96; Daniel Lombardi, 90; Ann Celia, 90; Angelina Damrosch, 96; Catherine Derbies, 98; Nancy DiLorenzo, 91; Dolores Dimeglio, 90; William Doboszynski, 91; and Florence DiMuccio, 94.

Also included are, Joe Femino, 92; Hilda Giarrusso, 90; Irene L’Abble, 97; Concetta Laorenza, 91; Angelia Lanzi, 96; Lillian Martineau, 95; John Martino, 93; Mary Moretti, Elaine Regine, 93; Orlando Ricci, 201; Mary Tundis, 90; Anna Venditelli, 92; and Gladys Zabitto, 100.