Manton Seniors celebrate during annual Italian Gala

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The special sounds of Vinny Lato’s saxophone filled the Willow Room at famed Twelve Acres on Sunday.

Likewise, drummer Anthony DelSignore’s voice – backed by Bill Moretti’s keyboard – created an atmosphere that led many people to dance, while others seemed as if they were celebrating a certain holiday.

But then, as Bill Elliano said: “Each and every one of our Manton Seniors parties is unique and has a different theme. That’s why this organization has lasted four decades and shows no signs of slowing down.”

Such was the case Sunday at the famed Smithfield-based, Joe Silvestri-managed facility during another fun, food and fellowship social appropriately named the Manton Seniors annual Italian Gala.

In the middle of it all was Lorie DeVito, president of the Manton Seniors, who has a special knack for creating special social events that are consistently above the norm.

DeVito sat at the head table with corresponding secretary Rose Coppola and recording secretary Mary Cerra – who helped formed the group along with the Johnston Senior Center many, many moons ago.

All three ladies – and all the men and women who sat at round tables covered with white linens in the 130-seat Willow Room – enjoyed the event’s activities, ranging from a delicious Italian veal parmesan dinner to a raffle that again featured many unique gift prizes.

“It’s our salute to all our Italian members,” DeVito said as the Twelve Acres staffers began serving the full-course dinner, which included family-style antipasto, soup, salad, macaroni, veal parmesan, spumoni ice cream, and biscotti. “Our members really enjoy this special dinner.”

Among the day’s many prizes were impressive items like a huge fruit basket, an unusual and artificial white rose arrangement, many different gift baskets that ranged from food to wine and more, as well as a name-brand coffee maker.

“I always want our parties to be special and fun,” DeVito offered. “Our raffle is something that has become special and our members look forward to.”

To which Felix DiOrio added: “The food is always great here [at Twelve Acres]. The Calamari Brothers play our kind of music, and we all love to get on the dance floor.”

When asked what’s next on the Manton Seniors calendar, DeVito said with a wide smile on her face: “Our Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 13.”

In keeping with tradition, the Christmas Party will feature a meal consisting of roast prime rib or baked stuff shrimp – with soup, salad and macaroni served family style – and as Elliano emphasized, “that great dancing music by the Calamari Brothers.”

Tickets are $25 per person, and may be purchased by contacting Coppola at 401-943-9330.

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