The special sounds of “Silver Bells” provided a heart-warming holiday feeling Sunday inside the main ballroom at famed Twelve Acres Banquet and Restaurant in Smithfield.
And that ageless Christmas song – which came from the keyboard of Jerry “Jack” Rubino and saxophone of Vinny Lato, accompanied by percussionist Anthony Del Signore – had a two-fold meaning.
First and perhaps foremost, it was one of many holiday tunes that the famed Calamari Brothers played during the Manton Seniors’ fun-filled Christmas Party.
Equally important, as many people observed, was that it was a great way ring in the birthdays of three long-time Manton Seniors members.
Although the wording on the huge cake read “Happy Birthday Lorie” in honor of the group’s longtime president Lorie DeVito, the tireless leader of the state’s finest independent senior citizens group refused to celebrate yet another magical moment alone.
“It’s Claire Cipriano and Judy Stetson’s birthday, too,” DeVito said. “I want to dedicate this cake to my fellow Manton Seniors members. It’s a happy day for all of us!”
The entire Christmas Party – which the Calamari Brothers again made super special in their role as the official musical group – included what people like Manton Seniors vice president Mario Dalmazzi called a “marvelous meal.”
In keeping with the tradition of such Christmas dinners, the Manton Seniors members were offered a choice of roast prime rib of beef or baked stuffed shrimp, which was preceded by minestrone soup, salad and pasta all served family style.
The post-dinner dessert was a piece of the extra large cake that was decorated with white frosting, with wording done in the traditional Italian colors of red and green.
“This is another special day for the Manton Seniors,” observed Mary Cerra, a former Johnston state representative and Town Council member who serves as the non-profit group’s recording secretary. “Lots of good food, lots of great people, and just look at all those raffle prizes.”
Ever since she assumed office over 16 years or so ago, DeVito has pumped lots of new life into the Manton Seniors. She has done so in different ways, from trips to dinner dances that are almost always highlighted by drawings for many unique and classy raffle prizes.
Sunday’s annual Christmas Party was no exception, as more than three dozen gifts were neatly arranged on adjoining eight-foot-long banquet tables. DeVito called the winning ticket, and the holder could then choose his or her prize from entire collection of items that ranged from wine baskets to wall hangings and unique holiday decorations.
Thus, the Manton Seniors closed out another year – the group’s 39th, to be precise – amid the music and merriment of Christmas and all its trimmings.
Next up will be an important meeting and lunch on Tuesday, June 6, which DeVito announced will be held at the Johnston Senior Center.
“The lunch will begin at noon, and the meeting will start at 1 p.m.,” DeVito said. “Mayor [Joseph] Polisena will be there to swear in the officers for 2015, and we’re all looking forward to another great year.”
DeVito said those planning to attend the Jan. 6 meeting and have lunch should call her at 401-232-2499 for planning purposes.
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