It wasn’t exactly like Symphony Hall, but it was almost as if people were filming the old “Lawrence Welk Show.”
“People are smiling and having a good old-fashioned time,” Anthony Zompa, the Johnston Senior Center’s executive director, said Monday night inside the jam-packed multi-purpose room. “And many of these people are doing what they love – dancing to the special sounds of big band music.”
In keeping with tradition, the center brought in the multi-talented 17-piece Strictly Sentimental Swing Orchestra and transformed the multi-purpose room into a spacious dance hall, replete with special snacks and wine.
While the orchestra again put on what Zompa and many others called a “special and dazzling” performance, many people danced the night away to special sounds of groups directed by such legendary bandleaders as the late, great Glenn Miller.
“This was a special, special night,” said Millie Santilli, the center’s assistant director, who sold a number of tickets. “I would personally like to thank [center coordinator] Denise Bell for putting together a great night.”
Santilli, who continuously made sure the “goodie tray” was well-stocked with two different kinds of cheese, crackers, vegetables and dip, added: “I also want to thank our fantastic staff and volunteers for their behind-the-scenes preparations and the hands-on work during the event.”
The long-time senior center staffer continued by saying: “No organization is successful because of the work of one. It is a joint effort of dedicated employees and volunteers, and we are very thankful for all their efforts.”
Even Peter Lombardi, who sits on the center’s Advisory Board, had a hand in Monday night’s success, as he donated the red and white wine that people enjoyed.
Moreover, Lombardi seemed like he really had his dancing shoes on, as he and his wonderful wife were on the dance floor much of the fun-filled evening.
Of course, in the middle of it all was the Sentimental Swing Orchestra, which for the third time in as many years put on a blue-ribbon performance.
Likewise, Monday night featured yet another appearance by the orchestra’s incomparable vocalist, Mara Castle.
“Oh my goodness,” Marie Venditti, the center’s events and trips coordinator, said while listening to Castle sing. “What a great, great voice.”
“We love playing here,” Stan Shaw, an 80-year-old member of the orchestra. “This audience is special, and we are just thrilled that the people keep on dancing.”
Monday night’s event was also a success due to some special donations. Michelle of Pocasset Bay provided the various cheese platters, Lorraine from Cherry Hill Manor provided the raffle basket, and Nicole from the Greenville Center brought the veggie trays and dip.
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