'You keep all of us going': State's centenarians honored at governor's annual breakfast

POWER COUPLE: Gov. Gina M. Raimondo joins Orlando Ricci – her “boyfriend for the day” – and his daughter Elizabeth Souza during last Thursday’s 39th annual Governor’s Centenarian Breakfast at The Bridge at Cherry Hill.

Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine

SPECIAL GIFT: Division of Elderly Affairs Director Charles Fogarty and Gov. Gina Raimondo flank Maryann Grace, the executive director at The Bridge at Cherry Hill, after the governor presented her with a special sterling silver tray.

ALL SMILES: Breein Ferri, one of the many staffers at The Bridge at Cherry Hill, is all smiles while joining her grandmother Anna Salisbury, 101, and her mother Sheila Simas.

SWEET SOUNDS: Famed singer-musician Frank Castle added a touch of class with his music.

Posted Thursday, May 26, 2016 12:54 pm

By Pete Fontaine

In honor of Older Americans Month, The Bridge at Cherry Hill played host to the 39th annual Governor’s Centenarian Breakfast last week.

Gov. Gina Raimondo and Division of Elderly Affairs Director Charles Fogarty welcomed a number of Rhode Islanders who have reached the 100-year-old milestone to the Johnston facility.

“As your governor, I am so proud of you all,” Raimondo said after going from table to table and congratulating each of the centenarians. “Last year, I told you to keep up your good work, that you keep all of us going. I’ll be looking forward to making that statement to all of you again next year.”

The governor said “making investments in local senior centers and programs such as Meals on Wheels is critical in our mission of providing opportunity for all Rhode Islanders. Our centenarians are proof that supporting home- and community-based services enables seniors to remain vital, empowered, and active citizens.”

Raimondo also added some levity. “Even though I’m married, I found myself a boyfriend for the day,” she said. “Congratulations to Orlando Ricci, who is 101 years young.”

Ricci is the oldest member of the Johnston Senior Center. He will soon be featured in a national book on centenarians.

The day’s top honors went to Vera LaTorre and Arthur Latham, who are both 106 and are the state’s oldest centenarians. Mario Hilario, WJAR news anchor and the event’s emcee, recognized the two.

Raimondo also paid tribute to Maryann Grace, executive director at The Bridge at Cherry Hill, for hosting the breakfast for the past seven years.

“Maryann used to take me by the arm and walk me to the bus stop when I was a child,” Raimondo said. “I’ve known this great woman all my life. She’s a beautiful person and has done so much for me. I have a special presentation for you, Maryann, and I want you to know that I will always love you and that you will also be special in my heart and life.”

The governor, with Fogarty standing at her side, presented Grace with a sterling silver engraved tray that featured the state seal and Raimondo’s message.

“Today was special in so many ways,” said Tracey Arpin, director of activities at the neighboring Cherry Hill Manor. “There was lots of love in this room today. And thank you to Gov. Raimondo – she really made everyone feel special and turned this into a mutual admiration society for everyone who was here.”