Senior Center celebrates St. Joseph’s Day in style

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“Buona Festa di San Giuseppe!”

That’s the greeting many of the Italian-Americans inside the Johnston Senior Center’s red, green and white decorated multi-purpose room passed around last Thursday during the annual St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon.

In English, the phrase means “Happy St. Joseph’s Day,” and in keeping with tradition, the center’s super staff and valuable volunteers put on a festive occasion that feature a surprise and delicious donation from Golden Crest Nursing Home.

Nearly 130 people turned out for the luncheon, which was prepared by senior center dietary manager Brenda Martin and chef Joe Fanning and served by those fantastic folks – clad mostly in red garb – who volunteer at such special events all year long.

The luncheon began with pasta fagioli, and included Italian sausage with peppers and onions served on a freshly baked roll.

For those folks who didn’t – or couldn’t – eat such a pound-packing sandwich, there was a chicken salad roll.

But the day’s dessert – the famed Italian pastry known as the zeppole – was quite the hit with guests and members, as well as the center’s staff.

D. Palmieri’s Bakery and its always-giving proprietor, Steve Palmieri, made a host of mini zeppole that were purchased especially for the St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon and paid for by Golden Crest Nursing Home.

“We really, really appreciated all Golden Crest Nursing Home does for our Center,” offered Millie Santilli, the center’s assistant director. “The facility, as well as Linda Giorgio [director of marketing], has become a very, very valuable partner for us, and we certainly appreciate and enjoy Linda being here to celebrate special theme days with us.”

Giorgio, who went from table to table greeting the day’s over-size lunch crowd, said, “We’re really happy to be a part of this and other celebrations here at the Johnston Senior Center. We also want to send a special thank you to Steve [Palmieri]. He is always generous and supportive when it comes to helping people in the community.”

Last Thursday’s St. Joseph’s Day Party was the second such theme luncheon in three days, as the center played host to its always fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day celebration last Tuesday.

For more information on special events and days at the senior center, please call 401-944-3343 during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT DISCUSSION APRIL 6

Most of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, along with other important state officials, will be on hand April 6 for a special meeting and discussion entitled “Financial Empowerment for Seniors.”

Tony Zompa, the center’s executive director, this week announced that topics will include awareness of financial scams, how to avoid and identity theft, planning for unexpected events, power of attorney and wills.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Reps. James Langevin and David Cicilline, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner and Mayor Joseph Polisena are expected to attend. Also, representatives from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division will be on hand. Light refreshments will be served, and the event will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

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