Pell Manor holiday party a trip down memory lane

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PELL PEOPLE: Among the many people who enjoyed the recent Pell Manor Tenant’s Association Christmas Party were Ann Celi (left) and Etta Marrocco. (JHS photos courtesy of Jessica Layden)

FORTE’S FUN: Guy and Betty Forte, along with a special guest, are all smiles during the recent and fun-filled Pell Manor Tenants Association Christmas Party in Johnston.

There was a rather unique holiday happening for the ages inside the Pell Manor Community Room that’s located off Plainfield Pike in Johnston.

There was music and merriment during the annual Pell Manor Tenants Association annual Christmas Party which was catered by the Ralph DeFusco owned and operated Ralph’s Catering that offered residents and their guests a choice of veal, chicken or scrod entrees and of course some delicious desserts.

There was some excellent entertainment, courtesy of PartyLife Entertainment that pumped special sounds of the season and other selections into the Pell Manor Community Room and the tenants even enjoyed a special sing-a-long that included the 12 Days of Christmas.

There was also a sad side to the annual Christmas Party, which was the first such Pell Manor Tenants Association event held without the presence of William “Bill” Santilli, who for years served as the non-profit’s president, better known as Mr. Event Organizer Extraordinaire.

“It just doesn’t feel the same around here without seeing Billy,” a guest remarked as several people talked about the late Tenants Association leader who at one time also was elected to the Johnston Town Council. “Billy really loved these types of parties.”

Now, the Tenants Association’s events like the Summer Picnic and other highly popular events will most likely come under the direction of people like Anna Murphy, who for years has been a mainstay of the group’s many different events.

In keeping with tradition, the Tenants Association issued invitations to David aRusso, Executive Director of the Johnston Housing Authority, who was on hand with his wife Laurie.

The guest list also included Johnston Town Councilman District I Richard J. DelFino III, School Committeeman Robert LaFazia, State Representatives Deborah Fellela, Stephen Ucci and State Senator Frank Lombardo.

There was also another “special invited guest” as Jessica Lemieux Layden, the JHA’s Resident Services coordinator noted, and that was the seemingly ageless Mary Cerra who is back on the social scene after a brief illness.

Cerra, who enjoyed renewing friendships with many Pell Manor residents, previously served the Town of Johnston in many capacities, namely as a town councilwoman and state representative and now wears the title as “Goodwill Ambassador for people of all ages.”