Ten years ago, Director Anthony Zompa and Assistant Director Millie Santilli had no idea the Johnston Senior Center that was housed in a garage on Priscilla lane for 20 years would evolve into the organization it has become.
Under the leadership of Zompa and Santilli, the 10-year-old accredited center is now busting at the seams with programs, day, overnight and oversea trips, seminars, dances, and more.
“We’re not complaining,” said Santilli, “As a matter of fact the standard joke here is about putting on a second story for more storage, office space and to make room for some new program idea’s members are looking for.”
“Some mentioned roof top golf, more pool tables, ping pong tables, inside bocce courts, which would solve the weather problems, they would love to play year round,” said Santilli. “And a pool! Now that’s thinking big.”
And so continues the center’s fund raising efforts. The last six years of fundraising recently paid off with the purchase of a brand new 15-passenger bus.
“It was a long time coming and a lot of hard work. But we did it and we are very proud of the accomplishment. Millie is constantly looking for new fund raising avenues to bring in money, like the extremely successful Frankie Valli show we had in June, and our upcoming popular Pasta Dinner in September, sponsored by D. Palmieri’s Bakery,” said Zompa. Getting everything donated is the key to our success.”
Santilli has a network of facilities and businesses that are happy to donate to the center. The events are always without cost to the JSC, everything is donated by their friends at various nursing homes and independent and assisted living facilities, from food, drinks, desserts, gift baskets, lottery baskets and more.
Special events volunteer Jean D’ Arezzo also pounds the pavement with great success for all other raffle prizes, which are donated by some of the in town and out of town businesses. Volunteers from some of the facilities also help with preparation, serving, and cleanup.
Center Coodinator Denise Bell, who is in charge of set up and seating arrangements, runs a tight ship when it comes to the volunteer help. Under her direction, every staff member and volunteer working the event is given a detailed assignment to assure the smooth orchestration of the event.
“We have had many events here all without a hitch,” said Santilli.
“We are very grateful to everyone who donates their time to help with our events,” said Bell. “We couldn’t have the success we have without them.”
Tony, Millie and Denise agree that the JSC will always continue to be dedicated to providing excellent programming, entertainment and services the members have always been used to.
The JSC is open five days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Membership is $10 a year per person. Interested parties may stop by and see what the center is all about.
(Text and photos submitted by Millie Santilli)
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