Manton Seniors announce fun filled events

Johnston Sun Rise ·

To say that the Manton Seniors resumed their monthly meetings in style would be an understatement.

For starters, the state’s most active and respected independent senior citizens groups – which has been operating for upwards of 40 years – filled up half of the Johnston Senior Center’s multi-purpose room for last week’s October meeting.

The day began with a lunch that President Lori DeVito said consisted of vegetable beef soup, teriyaki pork with fried rice, stir fry vegetables and tropical fruits prior to the actual business portion that included announcing the Manton Seniors ambitious fall schedule.

“Welcome back from our summer hiatus,” DeVito, who has twice beaten cancer and has served as Manton Seniors president for nearly two decades, told a large membership group. “Today is special; we even have our friend Mayor Joseph Polisena with us.”

Polisena, who a close friend of DeVito’s late husband and former Manton Seniors Vice President William “Bill” DeVito, delivered a powerful greeting during which he informed members just how valuable their organization is and has been since its inception.

The mayor also brought along a special guest – former United States Attorney for Rhode Island Peter F. Neronha – who just a few hours earlier had announced his 2018 candidacy for the state’s Attorney General’s post.

Nerhona, who lives in Jamestown and had a distinguished career during his tenure, spoke briefly on the many scams and gimmicks criminals are using to con senior citizens and urged the Manton Seniors to be on the alert for such crimes.

After Neronha’s much-appreciated message, DeVito announced three events that have been among the Manton Seniors most popular all-time dinner dances.

“Our Halloween Dinner Dance will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29 at Twelve Acres (on Douglas Pike in Smithfield),” DeVito told the audience. “This will give you plenty of time to make up your best costume.”

She then announced that tickets are $30 per person and includes Twelve Acres’ stuffed chicken or scrod dinner as well as music by the famed Calamari brothers for dancing. People who’d like tickets should call Rose Coppola at 943-9332.

“We’ve got three busy months ahead,” DeVito said while announcing two more memorable social events – the fun-filled Italian Gala on Sunday, Nov. 19 and the annual Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 17.

Dinner choices for the Italian Gala are veal parmesan or scrod and its prime rib or baked stuffed shrimp for the Christmas party. Tickets are also $30 per person for both events and include music by the Calamari Brothers, who for years have been the Manton Senior exclusive musical group.

In keeping with tradition, all Manton Senior socials have a special raffle that feature high-quality items like paintings, food, liquor and baskets and quality household goods.

DeVito also announced that the annual Election of Officers will take place at the December meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5 also at the JSC beginning with lunch and noon. Members need to call in advance if they intend to have lunch.

She also announced that Walgreen’s is conducting Flu Clinics and advised members they will need their respective health cards or identification to participate.

Those who’d like further information should call DeVito at 232-2499, Coppola at 943-9332 or Irene Calicchia at 944-1954.